Bangladesh bears a significant burden of tobacco-related illnesses while also being a major tobacco-producing country. Prior to 2013, tobacco control research was neither a priority for the Government of Bangladesh nor a focus within the academic community. This resulted in a lack of local data to support evidence-based policy interventions, and effective implementation of Social and Behavior Change (SBC) communication programs. To address this gap, the Bangladesh Center for Communication Programs (BCCP), with support from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, introduced a competitive and innovative research grant program on tobacco control. The program has aimed to generate local evidence, provide mentorship for researchers, and disseminate findings through publications and conferences. The initiative has achieved notable outcomes. By 2025, a total of 137 policy research studies had been completed. As of 2024, 39 journal articles were published in national and international journals, academic dissertations on tobacco control increased substantially, and 41 abstracts were accepted and presented at major scientific forums. In addition, a Tobacco Control Research Network was established, creating a platform to share findings that inform policy and guide the design of effective SBC programs to reduce tobacco consumption in Bangladesh. Recognizing its innovative approach, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare adopted the program and integrated it into its 5-year National Tobacco Control Program. The program continues to play a critical role in generating local evidence to strengthen tobacco control and in advancing impactful SBC interventions for reducing tobacco use in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh bears a significant burden of tobacco-related illnesses while also being a major tobacco-producing country. Prior to 2013, tobacco control research was neither a priority for the Government of Bangladesh nor a focus within the academic community. This resulted in a lack of local data to support evidence-based policy interventions, and effective implementation of Social and Behavior Change (SBC) communication programs. To address this gap, the Bangladesh Center for Communication Programs (BCCP), with support from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, introduced a competitive and innovative research grant program on tobacco control. The program has aimed to generate local evidence, provide mentorship for researchers, and disseminate findings through publications and conferences. The initiative has achieved notable outcomes. By 2025, a total of 137 policy research studies had been completed. As of 2024, 39 journal articles were published in national and international journals, academic dissertations on tobacco control increased substantially, and 41 abstracts were accepted and presented at major scientific forums. In addition, a Tobacco Control Research Network was established, creating a platform to share findings that inform policy and guide the design of effective SBC programs to reduce tobacco consumption in Bangladesh. Recognizing its innovative approach, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare adopted the program and integrated it into its 5-year National Tobacco Control Program. The program continues to play a critical role in generating local evidence to strengthen tobacco control and in advancing impactful SBC interventions for reducing tobacco use in Bangladesh.
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