Public Health on Top

Tobacco companies are relentless in their death trade even during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Two multinational tobacco companies have managed to get the Ministry of Industries (MoI) issue special directives so that they can continue manufacturing, leaf purchase, finished goods supply and distribution during the general holiday. Using their sham charity organizations, these companies see the ongoing crisis as a ripe opportunity to salvage their stained image by donating protective equipment to government offices and institutions. Such pseudo charities are being publicized heavily on the Facebook pages of these companies and other institutions with a view to drawing the attention of policymakers. They have also donated protective equipment to local administration to ensure the smooth running of their operation during lockdown. Besides, a number of high officials of these tobacco companies are also appearing live on different Facebook pages where they promote their brand image to the fullest.
Tobacco companies, all over the world, are also found desperate to spread misinformation and confusion. Two studies, published recently, have claimed that tobacco may have a positive role in preventing coronavirus. The methodology through which the researchers established association between coronavirus and tobacco has sparked great controversy and roused questions about integrity. It also came to light that, in the past, the lead author of the two studies held different positions in tobacco companies and also accepted gigantic sum as grants from these companies on several occasions. In a statement regarding these controversial studies, WHO said, there is currently insufficient information to confirm any link between tobacco or nicotine in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. The Organization also urged researchers, scientists and the media to be cautious about amplifying unproven claims that tobacco or nicotine could reduce the risk of COVID-19. According to WHO, tobacco users are at high risk of severe coronavirus infection. Considering the severe detrimental effects of tobacco and its active role in deteriorating coronavirus pandemic, 100 eminent citizens of the country have raised demands for a temporary ban on the marketing and sale of all tobacco products during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to protect public health.
Tobacco companies have also ramped up their activities ahead of national budget for 2020-21. Bidi Workers’ Federation has already submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister through a Member of Parliament, raising demands for reducing tax on bidi and help the business run unscathed. Lobbyists of cigarette companies are also using the corona crisis and spreading its baseless claims in the mass media regarding tobacco taxes’ negative effect on revenue generation. In Bangladesh, 37.8 million adults use tobacco products and 41 million people fall victim to secondhand smoke in their own homes. This huge portion of the population, victims of direct or indirect tobacco use, are currently at grave risk of severe coronavirus infection. To protect public health, in addition to other tobacco price and tax measures, the government should also impose an additional 3 percent surcharge on all tobacco products in the upcoming budget. The additional revenues generated by such move can be utilized to bear coronavirus related health expenses and in the implementation of COVID-19 stimulus package.