Journalist and public health researcher Sushanta Kumar Singha, special correspondent at Ekattor Television, has been honored with the National Tobacco Control Award-2025 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for the second time, recognizing his outstanding contribution to tobacco control. The award was presented by the Health Adviser of Bangladesh during the World No Tobacco Day celebration. He had previously received the same award in 2023.

For over a decade, Sushanta has conducted research and investigative journalism on tobacco control, highlighting weaknesses in cigarette tax structures, corporate tax evasion, and undue influence by tobacco companies in policymaking. His reports revealed that British American Tobacco (BAT) used the government’s nominal 0.64% shareholding as a pretext to appoint three government secretaries as board directors. Following his exposés and advocacy, this controversial practice was stopped in 2025, marking a significant step forward in Bangladesh’s tobacco control efforts.

At the award ceremony, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum described the presence of government officials on tobacco company boards as a serious conflict of interest. Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter warned that e-cigarettes are targeting youth and called for urgent amendments to strengthen the Tobacco Control Act.

Ten individuals and organizations were recognized at the event for their contributions to tobacco control. Receiving the award, Sushanta Kumar Singha said the honor reflects not only his personal work but also the collective efforts of the entire Ekattor Television team, inspiring him to continue advocating for stronger public health policies.