Desk Report:

Students from various universities have called for a complete ban on the sale, marketing, import and export of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches in Bangladesh.

They made the demand following a workshop organized for young people on the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Act, 2026, said a press release.

The workshop was held on Thursday, 1st October, at the auditorium of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, with the participation of university students from different institutions.

The students further said that the use of e-cigarettes is gradually increasing among young people due to the deceptive tactics of the tobacco industry. They noted that these products are pushing the new generation towards nicotine addiction. Therefore, they called for effective measures to ban e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches to protect young people and build a tobacco-free generation.

During the workshop, speakers provided the young participants with an overview of the harmful effects of tobacco, the need and relevance of tobacco control, and key provisions of the amended Tobacco Control Act, 2026. At the same time, the importance of active and meaningful youth participation in tobacco control initiatives was highlighted.

The speakers discussed key provisions of the amended law and elaborated on the roles and responsibilities of young people in strengthening tobacco control legislation. Participants were also briefed on the different stages of advocacy following the enactment of tobacco control legislation, related activities, and the roles and responsibilities of young people.

The speakers also emphasized the need to raise awareness among young people about the harmful effects of tobacco products and to build social resistance against violations of tobacco control laws.

Among others, the workshop was attended by Mukhlesur Rahman, Deputy Director of the Health and Nutrition Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission; Abdus Salam Mia of CTFK; Shariful Islam, Coordinator of the Tobacco Control Project; and more than 50 students from various universities.