Public Health on Top

BATB has been awarded a total of 7 times by different national level government agencies in 2016 and 2017. It has also been awarded 20 times for tree plantation by the local level administration in 2016. BATB is taking advantage of this because of the government's involvement in the tobacco business. Recently, the National Board of Revenue has provided the highest taxpayer award to a smokeless tobacco producer. Providing awards to the tobacco producers in the presence of influential ministers and high officials of various government ministries through organizing colorful events actually promotes tobacco company’s death marketing activities. Along with this, the tobacco companies also try to hinder adopting any tobacco control related policies and its implementation using these policy-makers. Such dual role of the government is the barrier to achieving 'Tobacco-Free Bangladesh'. In addition, the endeavor of establishing a new cigarette factory by BATB has made the government's anti-tobacco position questionable.

In view of public health, the Honorable Prime Minister expressed the pledge of achieving tobacco-free Bangladesh before 2040, but the key obstacle to this achievement is Tobacco Company. All the aggression and interference of the tobacco company must be stopped. Public health protection is more profitable and important for the state than harmful tobacco profits.