Background <p>Tobacco smoking is a major global health issue, linked to nearly 8&#xa0;million deaths annually. This study explores the smoking behaviors of adults in Bangladesh, focusing on the age of initiation, intensity, and cessation attempts.</p> Methods <p>The study is based on the data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2017-18, which comprised 12,774 respondents from Bangladesh aged 15 years and older. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, weighted t-tests, weighted ANOVA, Rao-Scott Chi-square tests, and regression models (Survey-weighted linear and negative binomial, Firth’s penalized logistic) to assess determinants of smoking behaviors.</p> Results <p>Among the respondents, 18.13% were tobacco smokers. Among smokers, 43.85% initiated tobacco use at or before age 18, 35.20% had a successful cessation attempt, and 10.78% were heavy smokers. Geographical division and education level were significant differentials for early initiation, smoking intensity, and successful cessation attempt. Lower paid working people including agriculture workers, daily laborers, and unemployed individuals able to work were associated with high smoking intensity. Gender and age of respondents were significantly associated with age of initiation but not with smoking intensity or cessation attempt. Residence and wealth index were not significant for any outcome.</p> Conclusion <p>These findings emphasize the need for targeted tobacco control strategies in Bangladesh to address early initiation, high smoking intensity, and low cessation attempt rates. Analytical results highlight the need for tailored intervention programs and laws. Prioritize tobacco as an addictive substance and target lower paid working and less educated populations, along with high-burden regions such as Mymensingh, Chattogram, and Sylhet.</p>