Public Health on Top

Considering the extent of havoc tobacco causes in Bangladesh, the Honorable PM of Bangladesh mentioned tobacco as an impediment in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB), along with SR Bangladesh, has recently launched a network that claims to contribute in achieving SDGs. This move of BATB is a matter of grave concern for Bangladesh. The network will also work with the Govt. in finalizing the country’s CSR Policy. (find detail) What is most concerning among all of these is that with its trickery and deception, the company is trying to establish itself as a development partner by involving the govt.’s Chief SDG Coordinator and UNDP, the custodian authority of SDGs in the process.
BATB’s apparent interest is fulfilling the SDGs is nothing more than a publicity stunt. The sole purpose of such initiatives of tobacco companies is to create a false image of partnership with the govt. and other policymaking institutions of the country. This false image and relevant involvement consequently facilitates tobacco companies’ infiltration into high level of both the govt. and the administration. Emboldened by the favor from the govt. and the authority, tobacco companies then disregard and violate the existing tobacco control law of the country and also obstruct any scope of creating a more effective anti-tobacco and public health policy. Tobacco companies exploit this favor to gain more and more facilities for them regarding lower tobacco taxes and promotion of tobacco products.
Both tobacco use and tobacco business are contradictory to all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by world leaders. The huge number of tobacco-related deaths and damages hinder to achieve SDG 3 – healthy lives for all. In Bangladesh, tobacco claims more than 161000 deaths each year. The damages caused due to tobacco related deaths and disabilities are worth 652.86 million dollars. Increased tobacco farming threatens country’s food security, environment and sustainable agriculture. So tobacco which is the root of death and devastation cannot be considered as compatible with SDGs. To achieve SDGs by 2030, tobacco companies masked infiltration in the state mechanism must be stopped. Adopting and implementing policies in light of Article 5.3 is the only way forward in this regard.