According to the latest available data, in 2018, Bangladesh had an estimated 31.2 million current users of traditional smokeless tobacco, representing a high adult prevalence rate of 27.5%. Its use was slightly higher among women, with 28.1% reporting current use, compared to 26.9% among men. Its daily use was also substantial, at 23.9% overall, including 25.4% of women and 22.3% of men. Traditional smokeless tobacco is legal in Bangladesh and is regulated as a tobacco product. It is thus legal to sell and use these products, with online purchases permitted. However, packaging must include health warnings, and the minimum age for sales is 18 years. Additionally, Bangladesh enforces a ban on all forms of tobacco advertising, reflecting a strong regulatory stance to limit promotion.
Prevalence
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-bgd.pdf?sfvrsn=6c6baa88_3&download=true. Accessed: 19 May 2025.
- Adults survey: STEPS Survey, 2018; National, ages 18-69
Product promotion
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-bgd.pdf?sfvrsn=6c6baa88_3&download=true. Accessed: 19 May 2025.
Regulation
- Tobacco Control Laws. Legislation by Country/Jurisdiction Bangladesh. Available at: https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/bangladesh/sales-restrictions. Accessed: 28 May 2025.
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-bgd.pdf?sfvrsn=6c6baa88_3&download=true. Accessed: 19 May 2025.
Availability
- Tobacco Control Laws. Legislation by Country/Jurisdiction Bangladesh. Available at: https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/bangladesh/sales-restrictions. Accessed: 28 May 2025.
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-bgd.pdf?sfvrsn=6c6baa88_3&download=true. Accessed: 19 May 2025.
Regulations and restrictions
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-bgd.pdf?sfvrsn=6c6baa88_3&download=true. Accessed: 19 May 2025.