WHO, UNICEF Urge Bangladesh to Keep E-Cigarette Ban

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have expressed concern over reports that Bangladesh may withdraw its ban on e-cigarettes, warning that such a decision could pose serious public health risks, especially for young people.

In a joint statement, the agencies called for the continued enforcement of 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 recommended maintaining restrictions on the display of tobacco products at points of sale.

The organisations said these measures were intended to protect children and adolescents from nicotine exposure and other harmful substances that can damage lung and cardiovascular health, as well as affect non-users through second-hand exposure.

They warned that e-cigarettes are often marketed to young people through flavours and targeted advertising, increasing the risk of nicotine addiction among a new generation.

According to the statement, nicotine is highly addictive and particularly harmful for children and adolescents, as it can affect brain development and increase the risk of long-term cognitive and mental health problems. Exposure during pregnancy may also harm fetal development, it added.

Citing research, the agencies said e-cigarette use significantly increases the likelihood of conventional cigarette smoking among non-smoking youth by nearly three times, and noted that there is no conclusive evidence that e-cigarettes provide a net public health benefit.

Bangladesh already carries a heavy tobacco burden, with more than 130,000 deaths annually, accounting for nearly one in five deaths nationwide, along with significant economic and social costs, the agencies said.

They 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 support the country’s health and development goals.

Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Bangladesh in strengthening comprehensive tobacco control policies.