Public Health on Top

Through its so-called afforestation program called "Banayan", British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB) has established itself as a partner to the government in its conservation and sustainable development drives. The company has also secured an 'eco friendly' image for itself. BATB has been promoting its 'Banayan' and other initiatives throughout mass media and social media platforms. It should be noted that tobacco cultivation is responsible for 31 percent of all deforestation incidents in Bangladesh. BATB, being the largest cigarette manufacturer in Bangladesh, accounts for the lion's share of these fallen trees.
Policymakers must become aware of this charade put forth by the tobacco industry. In addition, the government must strictly enforce the tobacco control law to put an end to all CSR programs of tobacco companies.