Among young people who use vapes or e-cigarettes, a common belief persists that these products are safer than cigarettes, come in appealing flavors, and do not produce an unpleasant smell. Although such perceptions may appear harmless, they represent a dangerous misconception that is quietly but steadily gaining ground across Bangladesh.

Young people within Gen Z perceive these products as a modern, potentially less harmful alternative to traditional smoking. But let’s be honest they didn't come up with this idea on their own, they were sold it by an industry that masterfully repackaged lifelong addiction into sleek, flavored gadgets. What makes this truly alarming is that instead of protecting the youth, recent government policy rollbacks have effectively cleared the path for this crisis to grow completely unchecked.

The growing use of vaping by young people has become a serious public health concern, with experts warning that these products are driving nicotine addiction in a new generation. Against this backdrop, the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Ordinance, 2025 was widely praised for introducing a ban on e-cigarettes. However, this momentum was short-lived. The Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026 removed the ban on e-cigarettes, raising fresh concerns about youth exposure and nicotine addiction.

According to WHO the nicotine present in Vape is extremely harmful to the developing brains of teenagers and young adults. It impairs attention, learning, impulse control, and mood regulation, with effects lasting into adulthood. Vaping also carries respiratory irritation, cardiovascular risks, potential lung damage, and second-hand aerosol exposure containing nicotine and harmful chemicals that can exacerbate asthma in children and pose risks during pregnancy. 

The appeal of these products is carefully designed. Bright packaging, flavors, sleek devices, and social media marketing make vaping especially attractive to adolescents and young adults. What appears to be a harmless trend is actually introducing a new generation to nicotine addiction. 

We are watching a generation get hooked on nicotine through gummy bear-flavored pouches and rainbow-colored vapes,” said Dr Rüdiger Krech, WHO Director of Health Promotion. “This isn’t innovation, it’s manipulation. And we must stop it.

Social media has become a powerful channel for promoting e-cigarettes and emerging nicotine products in Bangladesh, exploiting regulatory gaps and targeting young people. A Dhaka-based analysis of 150 Facebook posts from major e-cigarette pages found that 85% portrayed vaping as a "healthier alternative" despite limited evidence, while 84% failed to include health or age warnings.Direct product promotion appeared in 80% of the posts, effectively bypassing advertising restrictions. These findings highlight the urgent need for stronger regulation and enforcement to protect young people from misleading online marketing. Source of this paragraph: (Nahar, M., & Tabassum, M. (2025). Trend or trap: The influence of social media advertising of e-cigarettes on young adults of Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Tobacco Induced Diseases, 23(Suppl 1), A53.) 

Bangladesh’s policy response is at a crossroads. As these products remain easily accessible to minors, the gap between policy and reality continues to widen. Globally, the trend is moving in the opposite direction. According to the WHO, more than 50 countries have banned flavored tobacco products, over 40 have prohibited the sale of e-cigarettes including neighboring India and countries such as Belgium, Denmark, and Lithuania are strengthening regulations on emerging nicotine products. Bangladesh should also strengthen its response through stricter enforcement and stronger regulation. 

As a young Bangladeshi, I urge the government to act now and adopt a comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes and emerging nicotine products, as recommended by WHO and UNICEF in December 2025. Nicotine addiction acquired during youth often persists into adulthood, increasing long-term health and economic costs. Prevention is always better than cure. A comprehensive response is essential, including the adoption of a comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes and emerging nicotine products, supported by stronger surveillance and preventive measures to protect young people from nicotine addiction. 

 “Protecting children, adolescents, and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine is the government’s commitment,” declared the Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh on 31 May 2026, on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day. This commitment must not remain merely a statement of intent it should serve as a call to action. By taking decisive measures to prevent youth nicotine addiction today, Bangladesh can protect the health, productivity, and potential of an entire generation tomorrow.

Bangladesh has previously demonstrated success in tobacco control. This e-cigarette is another test of that commitment. Flavors, social trends must not be allowed to create tomorrow’s public health crisis. Every generation faces its own public health challenge.

 A tobacco-free generation cannot be achieved while e-cigarette remain within easy reach of young people. Stronger regulation and enforcement are urgently needed to protect Bangladesh's future.