Today we had a great discussion with Mr. Guillermo A. Sandoval, Economist at WHO Headquarters, on the weaknesses in Bangladesh’s tobacco tax structure and the steps needed to better protect public health in the future.

Together with other tobacco control advocates, we highlighted recent progress on tobacco taxation, addressed challenges of industry interference, and discussed upcoming priorities — especially concerning smokeless tobacco products.

Following the discussion, I shared my recent research on tobacco taxation and industry interference factsheet, and presented him with my bilingual book “Tobacco Companies: Myths and Realities.”

Mr. Sandoval is currently visiting Bangladesh to explore the way forward on tobacco taxation.