Broadcast date: May 26, 2024 : The Safe Food Court has issued arrest warrants against five companies accused of marketing unauthorized electrolyte energy drinks, including Agami Limited, a company tied to multinational cigarette giant British American Tobacco (BAT). Agami had been selling an unapproved product called Recharge Electrolyte Drink, raising questions about BAT’s indirect involvement in the beverage market.
According to case documents, Recharge is manufactured by Deshbandhu Food & Beverage, but the marketing and sales were handled by Agami Limited. The company’s CEO is listed as Sarjit Boral, who, according to his LinkedIn profile, is also a project officer at BAT.
Authorities have found irregularities in the company’s operations. The registered addresses of Agami Limited in Badda and Banani did not correspond to any functioning office, suggesting that the company exists largely on paper.
Investigations further reveal deep corporate ties with BAT. BAT Bangladesh’s Managing Director, Shehzad Munim, personally owns shares in Agami Limited, while BAT’s affiliated charity arm, Prerona Foundation, holds nearly 10,000 shares. Three senior BAT officials, including Mubeena Ashaf, represent Prerona Foundation on Agami’s board.
Financial disclosures point to significant business transactions between BAT and Agami. In 2022, BAT purchased goods and services worth Tk 34 crore, followed by Tk 45 crore in 2023 from Agami. Over the same period, BAT also donated Tk 36 crore to the company under its social responsibility programs — a flow of money that critics say raises transparency concerns.
Tobacco-control experts argue that BAT is using such ventures to expand its influence beyond cigarettes. Alongside energy drinks, Agami has also marketed lozenges, which BAT reportedly pushed through cigarette retailers as a substitute for small change.
The Bangladesh Food Safety Authority has said that strong action will follow against all unauthorized products that pose risks to public health.
This news was broadcast on May 26, 2024 .
