Bangladesh is leading South-East Asia's fight against tobacco: WHO
The WHO’s latest report on global tobacco trends found that Bangladesh has recorded one of the steepest declines in tobacco use in the region
Bangladesh is emerging as a regional leader in cutting tobacco use, with new data from the World Health Organization (WHO) showing the country is on track to meet - and helping drive - the South-East Asia Region's progress toward global tobacco control targets.
The WHO's latest report on global tobacco trends found that Bangladesh has recorded one of the steepest declines in tobacco use in the region. Adult tobacco use among people aged 15 and older is projected to fall from 39.9% in 2010 to 29.5% in 2025 - a 29% relative reduction that places the country "on track" to meet the global target of a 30% decline.
Although the reduction is marginally below the 30% benchmark, WHO classifies Bangladesh's progress as "more reliable," citing robust and consistent national data. The country's success is seen as a key factor behind the South-East Asia Region's projected 40% drop in tobacco use - the largest decline of any WHO region.
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Driving regional momentum
Bangladesh's tobacco control progress is central to the region's achievement. The WHO South-East Asia Region - home to nearly a quarter of the world's tobacco users - had already met the 30% reduction target by 2021. WHO credits much of that success to large, populous countries like Bangladesh, which together account for 90% of the region's population.
The country's female tobacco use rate has dropped dramatically - from 38.3% in 2000 to a projected 12.2% in 2025 - one of the steepest declines globally. Among men, tobacco use is expected to fall from 62.6% to 48% over the same period.
Shifting patterns of use
In 2024, about 32% of Bangladeshi adults used some form of tobacco, with rates of 49.9% among men and 14% among women. While smoking is still common among men, most users rely on smokeless forms such as zarda or gul - a pattern typical of the region.
Bangladesh sits within the WHO region that has the world's highest prevalence of smokeless tobacco use, estimated at 21.1% among adults in 2024. The report notes that only 46% of the region's tobacco users consume smoked products, underscoring the continuing health challenge posed by non-combustible tobacco.
Low uptake of e-cigarettes
E-cigarette use remains negligible in Bangladesh, with just 0.2% of adults reporting current use in the latest survey from 2017. WHO highlights the country's low rates as one reason global e-cigarette use remains relatively limited in low- and middle-income nations.
Sustained national impact
Bangladesh's success reflects sustained anti-tobacco policies, including tax increases, public awareness campaigns, and restrictions on advertising and smoking in public places. WHO analysts say the country's experience shows that significant reductions are achievable even in lower-middle-income settings.
The organization also noted that Bangladesh's progress supports regional public health goals beyond tobacco, contributing to reductions in noncommunicable diseases linked to smoking and smokeless tobacco.
Data gaps among youth
However, WHO warned that data on adolescent tobacco use in Bangladesh remains outdated, with the most recent survey from 2014 showing a 5.5% prevalence among school-aged youths. The agency urged renewed surveillance and stronger enforcement of youth protection measures to sustain the decline.
