Public Health on Top

The Prime Minister has expressed her determination to make the country tobacco-free before 2040. To achieve the goal, the government has already taken some measures and tobacco farming control policy is one of them. However, this a matter of great regret that the Agriculture Ministry is not free of Tobacco Company influences. A recent document analysis shows that the Ministry has long been implementing the tobacco company agendas – it is providing incentives on tobacco farming expansion which is a threat to the entire national economy especially food security, public health, forest resources, environment-ecology, soil health etc. Besides, very recently the Agriculture Ministry has completed a research titled ‘Consequences of Tobacco Cultivation in Bangladesh’ and preparation of a tobacco farming related guideline using the research outcomes. The anti-tobacco platforms sensing the presence of Tobacco Companies in the tasks. Notably, the existing Agriculture Secretary has been playing the role of Independent Director for BATB since 2012. Though the anti-tobacco activists have long been protesting about the tobacco company interference on the Agriculture Ministry, the relevant authority is not taking any measures. Implementation of the FCTC Article 5.3 is now a timely demand to regulate such aggressive activities. The use of tobacco cannot be eradicated unless tobacco company interference is prevented.