Public Health on Top

The lawful implementation of graphic health warning (GHW) may again be wasted for the interference of tobacco companies. After issuance of a public notice by National Tobacco Control Cell (NTCC) over the implementation of GHW on upper 50 percent space of tobacco packs from September 19, 2017, Bangladesh Cigarette Manufacturers’ Association (BCMA) has issued a letter to the National Board of Revenue opposing the matter. The BCMA has demanded again to continue printing the GHW on the lower section of tobacco packet with the excuse of band roll and stamp. There are chances that the tobacco manufacturers will manipulate NBR decision like the previous year with the excuse of revenue loss. Already the owners and managing directors of tobacco companies have met in a closed-door meeting with the Finance Minister at the conference room of the ministry. The meeting was participated by the Minister for Commerce, NBR Chairman and other high government officials among others in line with the Finance Minister. But none of the meeting agendas were disclosed. Notably, the Section 5.3 of FCTC, any government representative cannot hold such secret meeting with tobacco companies. By battling the ill tactics of tobacco companies, the legal implementation of the GHW from September 19, 2017 should be ensured.
On the other side, based on the final budget place by the Finance Minister for 2017-18 FYs in the parliament, per 10 stick low brand cigarettes from the international brand was supposed to be sold at Tk 35 but BATB, ignoring the instruction, is marketing its brand at Tk 27 like the local companies. This rejection symbolizes how muscular BATB is as it is ignoring the final budget instruction that has been passed in the National Parliament. Honorable Prime Minister has instructed to formulate a stronger tobacco tax policy by simplifying the existing one but there is no reflection of the instruction in the budget. Another price slab has been increased in the name of protecting the local cigarette industry instead of removing the complex tax structure which is really frustrating. If the tobacco companies continue receiving flexibilities, it would be impossible to reach for a Tobacco-free Bangladesh by 2040 declared by the Premier.