We believe that the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), established by the World Health Organization, serves as the global “bible” for tobacco control. Its core principle is simple but crucial: governments must not engage with tobacco companies in ways that compromise public health, and any unavoidable meetings must be fully transparent.
Unfortunately, in Bangladesh, the government is once again considering direct engagement with the tobacco industry. A Task Force Committee, led by the Honorable Economic Adviser, has been formed to review amendments to the Tobacco Control Act. The committee’s head has already stated that “discussions with tobacco companies are necessary” for broader consultation. But from experience, we know how the tobacco industry manipulates such opportunities to serve its own interests.
With ten years of journalism covering tobacco control, I can say with certainty: the industry works secretly to confuse policymakers and tirelessly block reforms.
Flood of Fake Letters to Block the Law
In my investigative report for Ekattor Television on September 28, 2022, I uncovered a shocking tactic during the public consultation on the draft amendment of the Tobacco Control Act, posted by the National Tobacco Control Cell (NTCC). Nearly 1,100 opposition letters were submitted, all claiming that the amendment would put 1.5 million cigarette sellers out of work and cost the government massive revenue losses.
But the reality was startling: every one of those 1,100 letters was identical in content-only the letterheads, names, and signatures had been changed. Some carried the names of economists, while others were submitted under shopkeeper associations from all 64 districts. These were not genuine appeals from stakeholders; they were fraudulent documents manufactured by tobacco companies, financed even through their so-called CSR funds.
When I interviewed several individuals whose names appeared on the letters, all denied writing them or having any knowledge of the amendment. Even the name of a prominent economist-now holding a senior government position-was used without consent. When I asked why his statement was word-for-word identical to those of dozens of trade associations, he reacted angrily. The truth was clear: a multinational cigarette company had fabricated the entire campaign to block the law.
By contrast, those who supported the amendment were organizations working to protect public health. After my investigation was broadcast, the Ministry of Health and other policymakers were able to see that this “opposition” was nothing more than tobacco industry propaganda disguised as public opinion.
The Revenue Loss Myth
The industry repeatedly claims that higher taxes will reduce government revenue. But evidence in Bangladesh proves the opposite. In 2024 and 2025, cigarette taxes were raised significantly, particularly in the low-tier segment, resulting in a more unified tax system. Although production declined slightly, government revenue actually increased.
According to the National Board of Revenue’s Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU), the government collected BDT 350 billion from BAT and JTI in FY 2023–24. In FY 2024-25, the figure rose to BDT 367.6 billion. This clearly proves that higher taxes do not reduce revenue, they increase it. The industry’s warnings to policymakers are nothing more than myths and propaganda.
BAT Placed Secretaries on Its Board Using Nominal Government Shares
Until last year, British American Tobacco (BAT) exploited the excuse of nominal government shareholding to place three secretaries on its board of directors—a clear tactic to exert policy influence through bureaucratic ties.
Thanks to continuous reporting, research, and resistance from tobacco control advocates, government secretaries are no longer on BAT’s board. This is a positive step forward.
However, there remains confusion about the government’s shareholding. Some claim it is as high as 9%, but in reality, only 0.64% is held in the name of the Honorable President. The rest is held by financial institutions such as ICB, Sadharan Bima, and BDBL, which trade shares on the stock market. Thus, government ownership is merely symbolic and minimal.
Tobacco Farming Expands Under Duty-Free Export Policy
A far more alarming trend is the rapid rise in tobacco cultivation. In 2024 alone, farming expanded by nearly 50,000 acres.
Why? Previously, exporting tobacco leaves required paying a 25% duty. This was withdrawn in FY 2018-19 by the then-chairman of NBR, Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, who had previously served as a director on BAT’s board while he was Industry Secretary. BAT has long placed secretaries on its board precisely to secure such policy favors.
Today, with no export duty and Bangladesh offering the cheapest tobacco leaves in the world compared to India, Pakistan, China, and Brazil, multinational companies are expanding rapidly. They purchase cheap leaves here, manufacture cigarettes abroad, and make billions in profit, while Bangladesh loses arable land that could otherwise be used to grow food for its citizens.
Push to Establish E-Cigarette Factories in Bangladesh
A new threat is emerging: multinational companies-including Philip Morris, as well as Chinese and Indian firms are applying to set up e-cigarette factories in Bangladesh. The government has already granted approvals, even though e-cigarette imports remain banned.
By exploiting loopholes, these companies claim production is intended for export. In reality, Bangladesh is being turned into a hub for e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
Conclusion
Bangladesh is a proud first signatory to the FCTC, and we must uphold its principles to protect our citizens from the deadly influence of the tobacco industry. It must be about safeguarding public health.
Sushanta Sinha, Tobacco Control Researcher & Special Correspondent, Ekattor Television
sinhasmp@yahoo.com
