Public Health on Top

Tobacco companies have been in an overdrive throughout 2024 in a mission to thwart strengthening of tobacco control law and disrupt any attempt of tobacco taxation. British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB) and Japan Tobacco International (JTI) sent letters addressed to the Honorable Advisors of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs opposing the amendment attempt of the tobacco control law. Global Action to End Smoking (GAES), a Philip Morris International (PMI) funded entity, has been conducting a number of programs through Bangladesh Blind Mission which are aimed at eliminating proposals to ban e-cigarettes and vaping products. A non-government organization, Policy Exchange Bangladesh has also arranged a roundtable in partnership with a national daily which was participated by a number of so-called experts closely associated with PMI. Voice of Vapers, which is the official partner of BAT-funded World Vapers' Alliance, has been found active in organizing press conferences, human chains, publishing reports at national dailies and conducting Facebook campaigns throughout the year. Following the latest announcement from the Ministry of Commerce which has incorporated vaping and e-cigarettes in the list of prohibited items in the Import Policy, Bangladesh Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Traders Association (BENDSTA) has expressed its utter discontent with such a decision. Tobacco companies have also opposed the government. decision to incorporate cigarette filters as single-use plastic (SUP).

Tobacco industry representatives have also met the Chairman, National Board of Revenue (NBR) during its pre-budget meeting. The companies have also organized human chains and submitted memorandum raising demand for tax advantage.

It should be noted that tobacco leaves a devastating impact on public health, environment and economy. Tobacco claims 161,000 lives each year in Bangladesh. However, despite such detrimental effects, investment of tobacco products seemingly has no end. Only a strong tobacco control law and robust tax measures can safeguard the nation from the deadly embrace of tobacco. We hope that the government will free itself from constant interference of the tobacco industry, finalize the draft amendment proposal and implement a robust tobacco tax measure.