Sushanta Kumar Singha, a well-known figure in the media and tobacco control, has significantly improved public health by revealing the deceptive practices of Bangladesh’s tobacco industry. His research and investigative journalism have not only revealed hidden facts but also contributed to important policy changes that are consistent with Bangladesh’s tobacco control priority.
He addressed a longstanding misconception regarding the amount of Bidi workers in Bangladesh with one of his ground-breaking disclosures.Singha’s research work and showed that there are only 65,000 Bidi workers in 2012, significantly fewer than claimed, despite the tobacco industry’s frequent exaggeration of these figures to oppose tax rises. The industry’s myth was destroyed by this disclosure, which also gave lawmakers the confidence to raise Biri taxes without worrying about strong labor protests.
Another major achievement of Singha’s work is his advocacy for Bangladesh tobacco tax reform. Through impactful reports, he exposed how tobacco companies were evading 50 billion taka in taxes by selling cigarettes above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP). His research, backed by the Bureau of Economic Research at the University of Dhaka, highlighted the need for regulatory action. Following his report, the NBR investigated and confirmed the tax evasion. As a result of Singha’s efforts, the government mandated MRP labeling on cigarette packs starting in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, a significant step in reducing tobacco tax evasion.
After annual price hikes, cigarette companies like BAT Bangladesh and JTI evaded taxes by selling old stock at new prices. Following his investigative news, the NBR raided their warehouses, uncovering tax fraud and imposing a Tk 4 billion fine in 2024.
Cigarette companies have been getting their prices without passing over the trade margin directed by the government. In the 2024–25 fiscal year, the NBR drastically increased taxes and rates on all cigarette tiers for the first time following Sushanta’s probe in an effort to curb usage and control surplus profits.
Singha’s investigations exposed a conflict of interest, with high official of government serving on tobacco company boards. Following his exposé, the government announced plans to ban such appointments, promoting transparency and accountability.
Additionally, Singha shed light on the injustices faced by workers within British American Tobacco (BAT) factories in Bangladesh. His investigative journalism revealed exploitative practices and unsafe working conditions, bringing much-needed attention to the difficulty of factory workers and prompting public discourse on labor rights in the tobacco industry.
Through his fearless reporting and commitment to public health, Sushanta kumar Singha has unmasked the harmful tactics of the tobacco industry, inspired critical policy reforms, and contributed to the global fight against tobacco.
