Bangladesh E-Cigarette Ban: The World Health Organization and UNICEF have jointly urged Bangladesh to maintain its ban on e-cigarettes, expressing concerns over potential public health risks. The call comes amidst reports that the country might reconsider the ban, initially implemented under the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Amendment) Ordinance in December 2025.
In their statement, the UN agencies emphasized the importance of the ban in protecting young people from nicotine addiction and related health issues. They highlighted that e-cigarettes are often marketed to youth through appealing flavors and targeted promotions, which could lead to increased nicotine dependency.
The agencies warned that lifting the ban could exacerbate Bangladesh’s existing tobacco burden, which already accounts for over 130,000 deaths annually. They stressed that e-cigarette use significantly raises the likelihood of conventional smoking among non-smoking youth.
Bangladesh’s tobacco control policies have been pivotal in reducing smoking rates, and the UN organizations reaffirmed their support for these measures. They cautioned that introducing new nicotine products could undermine public health efforts and development goals.
Looking ahead, WHO and UNICEF remain committed to assisting Bangladesh in advancing comprehensive tobacco control strategies to safeguard public health and future generations.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, April 18, 2026
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