Published: 07:38 AM, 18 April 2026
WHO, UNICEF urge Bangladesh to retain e-cigarette ban
The World Health Organization and UNICEF have expressed deep concern over reports that Bangladesh may withdraw its ban on e-cigarettes, warning that such a move could harm public health, particularly among young people.
In a joint statement, the UN agencies called for maintaining the ban on the import, production, distribution and use of e-cigarettes introduced under the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Amendment) Ordinance in December 2025. They also urged authorities to retain restrictions on the display of tobacco products at points of sale.
The organisations said these measures were designed to protect children and adolescents from nicotine and other harmful substances that damage lung and cardiovascular health, as well as pose risks to non-users through second-hand exposure.
They warned that e-cigarettes are often aggressively marketed to young people through flavours and targeted promotions, raisingconcerns about creating a new generation dependent on nicotine.
Nicotine is highly addictive and particularly harmful to children and adolescents, affecting brain development and increasing risks of long-term cognitive and mental health problems, the statement said. It also noted that exposure during pregnancy can harm fetal development.
Citing evidence, the agencies said e-cigarette use significantly increases the likelihood of conventional cigarette use among non-smoking youth by nearly three times, adding that there is no conclusive evidence showing e-cigarettes offer a net public health benefit.
Bangladesh already faces a heavy tobacco burden, with more than 130,000 deaths annually-accounting for nearly one in five nationwide-alongside significant economic and social costs, they said.
The agencies cautioned that expanding access to new nicotine products could worsen the situation and stressed that maintaining strong tobacco control measures is essential to protect public health and safeguard progress in the country's health and development goals.
They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Bangladesh in advancing comprehensive tobacco control policies.
