Sushanta K Singha For several years, multinational cigarette companies and various individuals and groups associated with them have conducted extensive publicity campaigns in Bangladesh about cigarette smuggling and counterfeit cigarettes. Until 2018, news reports frequently covered the seizure of cigarette consignments and cartons smuggled from abroad at the country’s airports, seaports, and land ports. Such […]

সুশান্ত সিনহা বাংলাদেশে গত কয়েক বছর ধরে সিগারেট চোরাচালান ও নকল সিগারেট নিয়ে ব্যাপক প্রচার-প্রচারণা চালিয়ে আসছে বহুজাতিক সিগারেট কোম্পানিগুলো এবং তাদের পৃষ্ঠপোষকতায় থাকা বিভিন্ন ব্যক্তি ও গোষ্ঠী। ২০১৮ সাল পর্যন্ত বিদেশ থেকে আসা সিগারেটের চালান ও কার্টন আটক হওয়ার খবর পাওয়া যেত দেশের বিমানবন্দর, সমুদ্রবন্দর ও স্থলবন্দরগুলোতে। বিশেষ করে এপ্রিল, মে ও জুন মাসে […]

British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh has allegedly evaded Tk 3.79 billion in taxes and duties over four fiscal years by selling cigarettes at prices higher than those fixed by the government. The Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU) of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) issued a show-cause notice to the company over the alleged evasion, and […]

I’m delighted to share that I have been awarded the Earth Journalism Network (EJN)’s Reporting Fellowship to Produce In-depth Stories on Climate Change and the Private Sector in Bangladesh 2026. I’m truly honored to become an EJN fellow and grateful for this opportunity to contribute to meaningful climate journalism in Bangladesh. As part of the […]

Standard Chartered account of Eden Fisheries, registered at a non-existent address, saw over Tk 30 crore in unusual transactions within months Dhaka: Abdul Hye Bachchu, the controversial former chairman of Basic Bank, allegedly set up a company with a fake address and ran crores of taka through its bank account, an investigation by Jamuna Television […]

Dhaka WASA’s Dasherkandi Plant Burns 10,000 Liters of Diesel a Day to Treat Drainage Water Dhaka WASA’s Dasherkandi Sewage Treatment Plant (DSTP) is reportedly burning about 10,000 liters of diesel every day, even as Bangladesh faces a severe fuel shortage. The plant is operating without the sewer connections it was built to serve. At that […]

Saidabad Phase III Water Project Cost Quadruples Before Main Work Begins The cost of Dhaka WASA’s Saidabad Phase III water project has quadrupled in two phases before the main construction work has even begun. A project initially estimated at around Tk 40 billion now stands at nearly Tk 160 billion. Analysts call the increase abnormal […]

A Camel cigarette is sold for 10 taka per stick in Bangladesh. But have you ever stopped to think about how much that 10-taka Camel cigarette actually costs? Recently, I published several pieces of content on my social media platforms about the actual price of Camel cigarettes and how cigarette prices are determined in Bangladesh. […]

Officials Suspended and Transferred Over Facebook Remarks and Investigation Report Labour Secretary Abdur Rahman Tarafdar has come under scrutiny over the suspension of a legal officer of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) and the transfer of the head of its Kushtia office. According to an investigation by Ekattor, DIFE Legal Officer […]

The current government has announced a plan to plant 250 million trees over five years (2026 to 2030). Under the banner of supporting this plan, British American Tobacco (BAT), a multinational cigarette company, may cleverly tie its ongoing tree-planting (afforestation) program, run as part of its CSR activities, to the government’s initiative. This concern is […]

Misleading Research on Poultry Feed: The Hazaribagh Leather Claim Sushanta k singha: A professor from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Dhaka claimed that poultry feed in Bangladesh was being made from leather sourced from Hazaribagh. The claim became even more serious when an investigation revealed that the professor had never previously conducted […]

If the government’s justification for allowing e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products is revenue, why is it simultaneously cutting the taxes that could generate that revenue? That is the question the government needs to answer. Bangladesh appears to be taking a significant policy U-turn on e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products (HTPs), and nicotine pouches. Products that were […]

The government has increased the price of low-tier cigarettes again, raising the maximum retail price (MRP) for a 10-stick pack to Tk 65 from Tk 62. The latest increase is Tk 3, or 4.84 percent, from the price set earlier this year. Compared with the Tk 60 MRP set in the FY 2026–27 budget, the […]

he National Board of Revenue (NBR) has accused British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BAT) of evading approximately Tk 80.31 million in VAT, supplementary duty, and surcharge by selling 16.7 million cigarette packs stockpiled before the 2026–27 budget at higher post-budget prices. The NBR’s Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU) found that cigarettes stored before the June 11 budget […]

For the first time, the Prime Minister’s Office has directly sought documents over alleged Tk1 billion in tax evasion by British American Tobacco Bangladesh Company Limited (BAT Bangladesh), giving the issue significant national attention. The move sends a strong and positive message about transparency, accountability, revenue protection and stricter tax compliance in Bangladesh’s tobacco sector. […]

Some achievements in a professional journey are more than just awards; they become lasting milestones. PROGGA Tobacco Control Journalism Award 2017 is one such achievement in my career as a tobacco control journalist and public health researcher. On 27 May 2017, at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka, I received the Best TV Report award at […]

The Amsterdam-based Top Employers Institute grants its “Top Employer” recognition based on an evaluation of an organization’s workplace environment, human resources management, and policies and practices for employees. The multinational tobacco company British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB) has received this international recognition seven consecutive times. The company has publicized this achievement in various media outlets. […]

BDT 2,023 crore, this is not merely a figure from the past; it represents the amount of revenue allegedly evaded by the multinational cigarette company British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB) in a single year. Yes, BDT 2,023 crore (BDT 20.23 billion) this is the amount of revenue allegedly evaded by BAT Bangladesh in 2016 in […]

Following the government’s cigarette price revision on 11 June 2026, tobacco companies began promoting prices higher than the government-declared Maximum Retail Price (MRP) through newspaper advertisements and point-of-sale price charts. These practices raise concerns about sales above the approved MRP and potential violations of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, 2005 (amended in […]

‘২০২৬–২৭ অর্থবছরের জাতীয় বাজেটকে ঘিরে সিগারেটের দাম বৃদ্ধি, তামাকজাত পণ্যের কর কাঠামো এবং এর প্রভাব নিয়ে ব্যাপক আলোচনা চলছে। সম্প্রতি আমার ফেসবুক পেজ ও ইউটিউব চ্যানেলে এ বিষয়ে যে বিশ্লেষণ ও পর্যবেক্ষণ তুলে ধরেছি, তার সংক্ষিপ্তসার এখানে উপস্থাপন করা হলো।’ জাতীয়  সংসদে আগামী ১১ জুন ২০২৬ বৃহস্পতিবার জাতীয় বাজেট উপস্থাপন করা হবে। এটি বিএনপি সরকারের […]

Today, May 31, marks World No Tobacco Day, an annual observance dedicated to advancing public health and reducing the global burden of tobacco-related disease. The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2026 is “Unmask the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.” At its core, the theme calls for exposing the tobacco industry’s business model, […]

Bangladesh has pledged to become a tobacco-free country by 2040. However, the reality is that most discussions on tobacco control remain limited to increasing cigarette taxes, placing warning labels on packages, or conducting anti-smoking campaigns. Comparatively little attention is paid to tobacco cultivation, which is the very first stage of the tobacco supply chain. Yet […]

জনস্বাস্থ্য রক্ষায় সিগারেটসহ তামাকজাত পণ্যের ব্যবহার নিয়ন্ত্রণে গত কয়েক বছর ধরে বাংলাদেশে তামাক নিয়ন্ত্রণে কর্মরত বিভিন্ন সংগঠন সরকারের স্বাস্থ্য মন্ত্রণালয়ের সঙ্গে কাজ করছে। পাশাপাশি সাংবাদিক ও গণমাধ্যমকর্মীরাও গবেষণা ও অনুসন্ধানী সাংবাদিকতার মাধ্যমে কর বৃদ্ধি ও তামাক নিয়ন্ত্রণের গুরুত্ব তুলে ধরে প্রতিবেদন প্রকাশ করে আসছেন। গুরুত্ব অনুধাবন করে এবং জনস্বাস্থ্য রক্ষার অংশ হিসেবেই জাতীয় রাজস্ব বোর্ড […]

For the past several years, various organizations working on tobacco control in Bangladesh have been collaborating with the Ministry of Health to reduce the use of cigarettes and other tobacco products in the interest of public health. At the same time, journalists and media professionals have continued to produce research-based and investigative reports highlighting the […]

In Bangladesh, while the amount of cultivable land is decreasing, soil fertility and organic matter levels are also declining at an alarming rate. Experts say excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is damaging soil health. They warn that if this situation continues, sustaining agricultural production in the long term will become a major challenge. […]

সিগারেটের কর কাঠামো, নিম্ন ও মধ্যম স্তর একীভূত করার প্রস্তাব এবং আসন্ন বাজেটে কী ধরনের পদক্ষেপ নেওয়া যেতে পারে—এই বিষয়ে দেশকাল নিউজে আমার মতামতসহ অন্যান্যদের মতামত প্রকাশিত হয়েছে। এখানে আমি বিষয়টি আরও বিস্তারিতভাবে ব্যাখ্যা করছি এবং আমার অবস্থান তুলে ধরছি। বাংলাদেশে সিগারেটের নিম্ন স্তর ও মধ্যম স্তর একীভূত করে একটি স্তর করার প্রস্তাব নিয়ে তামাক […]

Regarding the cigarette tax structure, the proposal to merge the low and medium tiers, and the kinds of measures that could be included in the upcoming budget, Deshkal News recently published my views alongside those of others. Here, I am further elaborating on the issue and presenting my detailed views. Regarding the proposal to merge […]

For the second time, I had the opportunity to exchange views on tobacco taxation with Dr. Guillermo A. Sandoval, Technical Officer (Fiscal Policies for Health), Department of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention, World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva. We also held detailed discussions on the proposed tobacco tax structure for the upcoming fiscal year 2025–26. Journalists […]

দ্বিতীয়বারের মতো তামাক কর কাঠামো বিষয়ক অভিজ্ঞতা বিনিময়ের সুযোগ হয়েছে বিশ্ব স্বাস্থ্য সংস্থা (ডব্লিউএইচও), জেনেভার টেকনিক্যাল অফিসার (Fiscal Policies for Health), ডিপার্টমেন্ট অব হেলথ ডিটারমিন্যান্টস, প্রমোশন অ্যান্ড প্রিভেনশন-এর কর্মকর্তা ড. গুইলারমো এ. সানডোভাল-এর সঙ্গে। আগামী ২০২৫–২৬ অর্থবছরের প্রস্তাবিত তামাক কর কাঠামো নিয়েও আমরা—বাংলাদেশে তামাক কর নিয়ে কাজ করা সাংবাদিক ও তামাক নিয়ন্ত্রণ সংগঠনের প্রতিনিধিরা—বিস্তারিত মতবিনিময় […]

As part of finalizing the national budget for the upcoming fiscal year, the Ministry of Finance held a pre-budget meeting with members of the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) on April 25, 2026, at the Secretariat. The meeting was attended by the Finance Minister, Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, the Chairman of the National Board […]

I’m delighted to share that my research titled “Myths and Realities of Tobacco Companies: An Analysis of BATB’s 10-Year Financial Reports” has been published in the DIU Journal of Humanities & Social Science. I am grateful to the editorial board of this international peer-reviewed journal. It took over one and a half years to analyze […]

Within a single year, the net profit of cigarette company BAT Bangladesh declined by 67 percent, amounting to a decrease of approximately BDT 11.67 billion. In 2025, its after-tax net profit stood at BDT 5.84 billion. This serves as a notable example of how increased taxation for public health protection can impact economic outcomes, as […]

এক বছরে সিগারেট কোম্পানি বিএটি বাংলাদেশের নিট মুনাফা ৬৭ শতাংশ কমেছে, টাকার অংকে যার পরিমাণ প্রায় ১১৬৭ কোটি টাকা। ২০২৫ সালে তাদের কর-পরবর্তী নিট মুনাফা কমে দাঁড়িয়েছে ৫৮৪ কোটি টাকা। এটি জনস্বাস্থ্য সুরক্ষায় কর বৃদ্ধির প্রভাব অর্থনীতিতে কীভাবে প্রতিফলিত হতে পারে, সদ্য প্রকাশিত বিএটিবি’র আর্থিক প্রতিবেদনে তার একটি উল্লেখযোগ্য উদাহরণ। গত দুই বছরে দুই দফায় […]

Under the pretext of increasing revenue, the government has opened up the production, marketing, and supply of e-cigarettes and vapes, which pose a serious threat to public health. By turning the Tobacco Control Amendment Ordinance passed during the previous interim government into law, while removing the provision that banned e-cigarettes, the government has taken a […]

After nearly one and a half years of delay, the outgoing interim government of Bangladesh passed the amendment to the Tobacco Control Act 2005 in the form of an ordinance, in which the use, production, and marketing of all types of e-cigarettes were banned. The ruling BNP government has now taken an initiative to turn […]

The current government is to turn the anti-tobacco ordinance, approved during the previous interim administration, into law. However, it is reportedly trying to do so by strategically removing the provision that bans the import, production, and sale of all types of e-cigarettes. This move poses a serious threat to public health, in my view.  I […]

The tax structure of cigarettes in Bangladesh is more complex than in any other country in the world. Since the National Board of Revenue (NBR)’s revenue collection and monitoring system is not fully technology-driven, this multi-tier cigarette tax structure has become even more complicated. As a result, tobacco companies have more opportunities to evade taxes. […]

গবেষণা সংস্থা  পিপিআরসি আয়োজিত সাংবাদিক ও তামাক নিয়ন্ত্রণ কর্মীদের জন্য আয়োজনকৃত প্যানেল আলোচনায় অংশগ্রহণ করি ১২ মার্চ। এই আলোচনায় আমি তুলে ধরেছি, কীভাবে তামাক চাষ ও তামাক শিল্পের কর ফাঁকি কার্যকর তামাক নিয়ন্ত্রণের সঙ্গে সরাসরি যুক্ত। তামাক নিয়ন্ত্রণ গবেষক ও সাংবাদিক হিসেবে, তিনজন প্যানেলিস্টের একজন হিসেবে এই তামাক কর বিষয়ক সাংবাদিকদের ওরিয়েন্টেশন প্রোগ্রামে অংশ নিতে […]

Being a tobacco control researcher and journalist, it was my honor and pleasure to join the orientation program as a panelist alongside three other experts. On 12 March, I participated in a panel discussion organized by PPRC for journalists and tobacco control advocates, where I highlighted how tobacco cultivation and tax evasion by the tobacco […]

At a webinar titled “Impact of a Strong Tobacco Control Law on the National Economy,” experts called for the rapid conversion of the tobacco control ordinance into a full law in Bangladesh to protect public health and strengthen the national economy. The webinar was organized by the Bangladesh Network for Tobacco Tax Policy (BNTTP) on […]

In 2025, Novartis Bangladesh wound up its shares and left the country. After the sale of its shares, 45 long-serving employees of Novartis were terminated without any notice or compensation. In my story, I revealed how Radiant Pharmaceuticals Limited violated labor laws at multiple stages of the process. Details of my news: Switzerland-based pharmaceutical multinational […]

Today, a significant research study has revealed widespread violations of the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) by cigarette companies in Bangladesh. However,  In 2022, I first reported on this practice in a story aired on Ekattor Television, produced in collaboration with the Bangladesh Network for Tobacco Tax Policy (BNTTP). That story played a significant role in […]

British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BAT Bangladesh) is facing scrutiny for allegedly evading BDT 2.51 billion in VAT on tobacco leaf purchases during 2022–2023. The company claimed that 5.2 million kilograms of tobacco leaves were lost during processing, but the National Board of Revenue (NBR) found this explanation unconvincing. An audit conducted by the Large Taxpayer […]

জুন মাসের প্রথম সপ্তাহের বৃহস্পতিবার সদ্য নির্বাচিত প্রধানমন্ত্রী তারেক রহমান এর নেতৃত্বাধীন বিএনপি সরকার তাদের প্রথম বাজেট উপস্থাপন করতে যাচ্ছে। নির্বাচনে ভূমিধস বিজয়ের পর সরকার দায়িত্ব গ্রহণের সঙ্গে সঙ্গেই যেসব বড় চ্যালেঞ্জের মুখোমুখি হবে, তার মধ্যে অন্যতম রাজস্ব আদায় উল্লেখযোগ্যভাবে বৃদ্ধি করা। বরাবরের মতোই জাতীয় রাজস্ব বোর্ড (এনবিআর) ফেব্রুয়ারি মাস থেকেই ২০২৬-২৭ অর্থবছরের বাজেট প্রণয়নের […]

In the first week of June, on Thursday, the newly elected Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is set to present its first national budget. Riding a landslide electoral mandate, the new administration assumes office amid heightened public expectations alongside acute fiscal stress. As public health journalist Sushanta Singha’s analysis […]

Dhaka, Feb 17, 2026 — Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman was sworn in on Monday as the country’s 11th Prime Minister, following his party’s landslide victory in last week’s parliamentary elections. The oath-taking ceremony was held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament complex, where 25 cabinet ministers and 25 state ministers […]

Corruption has increased both globally and in Bangladesh over the past year, according to the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025 released by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB). The report ranks Bangladesh 13th among the world’s most corrupt countries, down from 14th last year, underscoring a continued deterioration in governance and institutional integrity. The CPI, which assesses […]

After overcoming many obstacles, Bangladesh has passed the Tobacco Control Ordinance. To ensure its effective implementation, the Health Adviser has directed that a committee be formed by the next day to draft the necessary implementation rules. At the same time, the Fisheries and Livestock Adviser stated that government secretaries have been strategically placed on the […]

During the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Dhaka WASA Managing Director Taqsem A. Khan allegedly carried out recruitment trade and approved project expenditures at will for nearly 15 consecutive years. On February 3, 2023, at Ekattor Television, I published an investigative report detailing how Taqsem A. Khan used political influence to carry out […]

In Bangladesh, I believe that the first and most crucial step toward regulating water transport, terminals, and ports is to completely ban the sale and use of tobacco products in launch and ferry canteens. At the same time, public awareness must be strengthened by increasing the number of warning signages and by conducting regular announcements […]

The National Tobacco Control Cell (NTCC) of Bangladesh organized a consultation meeting on the implementation of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Control (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 on 27 January 2026, Dhaka. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Saidur Rahman, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The Chief Guest was Ms. Nurjahan Begum, Adviser to the Ministry […]

Increasing taxes is the most effective way to control the use of cigarettes and other tobacco products to protect public health. Among tax measures, the most effective is imposing a specific tax, because under an ad valorem tax system, producers can earn excessive profits. In Bangladesh, for many years, cigarette companies have flourished due to […]

জনস্বাস্থ্য রক্ষায় সিগারেটসহ তামাকজাত পণ্যের ব্যবহার নিয়ন্ত্রণের উত্তম পদ্ধতি হলো কর বৃদ্ধি। এর মধ্যে সবচেয়ে কার্যকর হলো স্পেসিফিক ট্যাক্স বা সুনির্দিষ্ট কর আরোপ করা। কারণ, এড ভ্যালোরেম কর ব্যবস্থার মাধ্যমে উৎপাদক কোম্পানি অতিরিক্ত মুনাফা অর্জন করতে পারে। বাংলাদেশেও বহু বছর ধরে এড ভ্যালোরেম সিস্টেমে কর ও মূল্য বৃদ্ধির কারণে সিগারেট কোম্পানিগুলো ফুলে ফেঁপে উঠেছে। এড […]

“Child Labor in Bidi Factories: Current Situation and Way Forward” is my second research study in the field of tobacco control, conducted in 2015. The study explores the prevalence of child labor in bidi manufacturing, examines the socio-economic factors sustaining this practice, and highlights policy and implementation gaps, while proposing practical strategies for prevention and […]

Following the President’s approval, the Smoking and Tobacco Products Use (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 was published in the gazette within six days of its approval. Issued by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs of Bangladesh on 30 December 2025, the amended ordinance came into immediate effect on the same day. The ordinance introduces […]

দীর্ঘ এক বছরের বেশি সময় আটকে থাকার পর ধূমপান ও তামাকজাত দ্রব্য নিয়ন্ত্রণ আইনটির সংশোধনী অধ্যাদেশ আকারে অনুমোদন দিয়েছে বাংলাদেশ সরকার। ২৪ ডিসেম্বর ২০২৫ তারিখে প্রধান উপদেষ্টা ড. মুহাম্মদ ইউনূসের সভাপতিত্বে অনুষ্ঠিত উপদেষ্টা পরিষদের বৈঠকে ধূমপান ও তামাকজাত দ্রব্য নিয়ন্ত্রণ অধ্যাদেশ এবং টেলিকমিউনিকেশন অধ্যাদেশ অনুমোদিত হয়। রীতি অনুযায়ী উপদেষ্টা পরিষদের বৈঠকে অনুমোদিত সিদ্ধান্তগুলো গণমাধ্যমকে প্রেস […]

After being stalled for more than a year, the Government of Bangladesh has finally approved the amendment to the Smoking and Tobacco Products Control Act in the form of an ordinance. On 24 December 2025, at a meeting of the Advisory Council chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, both the Smoking and Tobacco Products […]

Nicotine Pouch Included Under the Definition of “Tobacco Products” Sushanta k singha: Dhaka, 24 December 2025: Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of cancer and other non-communicable diseases. Every year, more than 130,000 people in Bangladesh die prematurely due to tobacco-related illnesses. With the objective of effectively controlling smoking and the use of […]

Though the import of e-cigarettes and vapes is banned in Bangladesh, the market for these products is booming, with young people becoming increasingly addicted. Despite the ban, the government has recently granted permission to the multinational cigarette company Philip Morris to produce nicotine pouches.In this context, the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) Bangladesh has raised […]

In an effort to ease vehicle flow, the Dhaka South City Corporation has cut down footpaths along several major roads—some reduced by half, others by nearly two-thirds. In certain stretches, entire sidewalks have disappeared. From Moghbazar to Kakrail, pedestrians in one of the world’s most crowded cities are struggling to find basic space to walk. […]

গত ৩ ডিসেম্বর ২০২৫, সকাল ১১টায় বিএনটিটিপি আয়োজন করে ‘তামাক নিয়ন্ত্রণ আইন শক্তিশালীকরণ ঠেকাতে কোম্পানির প্রোপাগান্ডা ও বাস্তবতা’ শীর্ষক ওয়েবিনার। এতে গুরুত্বপূর্ণ অংশগ্রহণ করেন বিশ্ব স্বাস্থ্য সংস্থা বাংলাদেশের  সাবেক ন্যাশনাল প্রফেশনালস ড. সৈয়দ মাহফুজুল হক, ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের ইনস্টিটিউট অফ হেলথ ইকোনমিক্সের পরিচালক অধ্যাপক ড. শাফিউন নাহিন শিমুল, ঢাকা ইন্টারন্যাশনাল ইউনিভার্সিটির সহযোগী অধ্যাপক বজলুর রহমান, এবং […]

On December 3, 2025, at 11:00 AM, BNTTP organized a webinar titled “Tobacco Industry Propaganda and Reality: Preventing the Strengthening of the Tobacco Control Law.” The event featured key participants, including Dr. Syed Mahfuzul Haque, Ex National Professional of the World Health Organization (WHO) Bangladesh; Professor Shafiun Nahin Shimul, Director of the Institute of Health […]

This the historic Appellate division order in the Supreme Court of Bangladesh.  In 2016, the Full Bench of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh delivered a landmark ruling on tobacco control. The ruling was given by a bench of five judges, including then Chief Justice S. K. Sinha. The Court directed government […]

Nearly 200 million people reside in the neighboring countries of South Asia—Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Although these countries share a common colonial history, legal framework, and lifestyle, there are significant differences in the structure and practice of journalism across the region. These differences have created visible gaps between communities. To […]

প্রায় ২০০ কোটি মানুষের বসবাসের দক্ষিণ এশিয়ার প্রতিবেশী দেশসমূহ—বাংলাদেশ, ভারত, পাকিস্তান, নেপাল, শ্রীলঙ্কা ও মালদ্বীপ—একই ঔপনিবেশিক ইতিহাস, আইন-কানুন ও জীবনধারায় পরিচিত হলেও এ অঞ্চলের সাংবাদিকতার কাঠামো ও বাস্তবতায় রয়েছে উল্লেখযোগ্য পার্থক্য। মানুষের মাঝে গড়ে উঠেছে দৃশ্যমান দূরত্ব। এই ব্যবধান কমাতে এবং আঞ্চলিক সহযোগিতা শক্তিশালী করতে মানুষে–মানুষে যোগাযোগ বৃদ্ধি অত্যন্ত জরুরি, আর সেই যোগাযোগের সবচেয়ে কার্যকর […]

It is truly an honor to attend the opening ceremony of the Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC25) in Malaysia — the world’s largest gathering of investigative journalists. This year, I am grateful to receive The Examination scholarship once again, allowing me to participate for the second time. It is a meaningful recognition in my professional […]

The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) and the Department of Labor (DoL) have filed three cases in the Rangpur Labor Court against British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh, alleging extensive violations of the Bangladesh Labor Act at the company’s tobacco factories in Rangpur and Gaibandha, in the northern part of the country. Report […]

It was a fruitful workshop with 30 agricultural journalists, where I had the opportunity to share insights on tobacco control issues at a special session held on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, at the Bureau of Economic Research (BER), University of Dhaka. I presented the keynote paper titled “Corporate Aggression Fuelling Tobacco Cultivation: A Threat to […]

My first book on television journalism in Bangladesh, “Broadcast Journalism One: Reading and Reality,” has sold out its first print run of 500 copies. Copies of the second edition are now being distributed to journalism departments at various universities across the country. It is my honor to share that the book has now been included […]

Hundreds of importers are facing severe financial losses following the devastating fire at the Cargo Village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Investigations reveal that the majority of importers did not have “Air All Risk” insurance, leaving them ineligible for any compensation. Report by Sushanta k singha According to the terms of a Letter of Credit […]

Charges have been framed against Managing Director Monisha Abraham along with four top officials of British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB), a multinational cigarette manufacturer, for alleged violations of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006. The order was passed on Thursday (October 16) by Razia Sultana, Chairperson of the Khulna Divisional Labour Court. The court also fixed […]

On 29 September 2025, I had the opportunity to participate in the Tobacco Control Handbook Validation Workshop, organized by the National Institute of Local Government (NILG) in Dhaka. The event was part of the Institutionalizing and Strengthening the Implementation of Tobacco Control Project-II (ISITC-II). As a participant, I contributed by sharing my thoughts and recommendations […]

I participated as a fellow in the International Trade Training for Journalists in Asia 2023, organized by the National Press Foundation (NPF) and the Hinrich Foundation, held in Singapore. On August 11, 2023, we had a discussion on “Writing for the Public Interest” focusing on how combining data with real people’s stories makes trade journalism […]

Following multiple allegations of corruption and misconduct against Mahmud Hasan, the Acting Managing Director (MD) of Palli Daridro Bimochon Foundation (PDBF), the foundation’s employees staged a protest holding my photo in front of the National Press Club on September 27, 2025, in response to the investigative report aired by Ekattor Television. They attempted to mislead […]

Mahmud Hasan, the Acting Managing Director (MD) of the government-run Palli Daridro Bimochon Foundation (PDBF), is facing multiple allegations of violating government regulations, financial misconduct, and abuse of authority. Though officially appointed as Acting MD nearly a year ago, Hasan has reportedly removed the word “Acting” from his official designation on all documents, business cards, […]

বিশ্ব স্বাস্থ্য সংস্থার করা এফসিটিসিতে অনেক ভারী ভারী বিষয় আছে। সহজ করে বললে এটা আমাদের পুরো দুনিয়ায় তামাক নিয়ন্ত্রণের জন্য এক ধরনের বাইবেল সমতুল্য। এর মূল কথা হলো, সরকার তামাক কোম্পানির সঙ্গে এমনভাবে বসতে পারবে না,যাতে জনস্বাস্থ্য ক্ষতিগ্রস্ত হয়। বসলে অবশ্যই প্রকাশ্যে বসতে হবে। কিন্তু দুঃখজনক হলো, অতীতের মতো এখন তামাক কোম্পানির সাথে বসার কথা […]

We believe that the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), established by the World Health Organization, serves as the global “bible” for tobacco control. Its core principle is simple but crucial: governments must not engage with tobacco companies in ways that compromise public health, and any unavoidable meetings must be fully transparent. Unfortunately, in Bangladesh, […]

This is very good news for me and for Bangladesh’s tobacco control activists that The Examination, a Washington, DC–based investigative media outlet, has published a report on labor rights violations at BAT Bangladesh. I hope this will serve as an important document not only for Bangladesh but also for global tobacco control efforts. For reference, […]

I had the privilege of presenting my abstract titled “Examining the Media Contribution to Enforce Maximum Retail Price (MRP) on Cigarette Packages in Bangladesh” at the World Conference on Tobacco Control 2025, held in Dublin, Ireland from 23–25 June 2025. My abstract has been published in the Conference Abstract Book. The Advisory Board and Content […]

Authorities in northern Bangladesh seized 13 kg of cannabis hidden inside a British American Tobacco (BAT) truck transporting tobacco from Lalmonirhat to the company’s GLT (Green Leaf Threshing) factory in Kushtia. The raid was carried out by Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-13) on September 17 at the Teesta Toll Plaza in Lalmonirhat Sadar, according to local […]

Bangladesh is among the countries with the most complex tax systems for cigarettes and other tobacco products. Its multi-layered approach categorizes cigarettes into four groups: low, medium, high, and premium. To safeguard public health, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) sets maximum retail prices (MRP) for tobacco products each year during the national budget. This […]

বিশ্বের যে কয়টি দেশের সিগারেটসহ তামাকজাত পণ্যের কর কাঠামো জটিল তার মধ্যে অন্যতম বাংলাদেশ। এক অর্থে বলা যায়, এমন বহুস্তর বিশিষ্ট সিগারেটের কর কাঠামো সচরাচর দেখা যায় না। বাংলাদেশের  সিগারেটের ক্ষেত্রে প্রিমিয়াম, উচ্চ, মধ্যম ও নিম্ম এই চারটি স্তর বা সেগমেন্ট রয়েছে।  জনস্বাস্থ্য রক্ষায় তামাকজাত পণ্যের দাম নির্ধারণ করে দেয় জাতীয় রাজস্ব বোর্ড-এনবিআর। প্রতিবছর জাতীয় […]

It is my pleasure to announce that I have successfully completed all six modules of Global Tobacco Control: Learning From the Experts, a unique online course designed by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health for the Global Tobacco Control Leadership Program. Last year, I also participated in the South Asia Global Tobacco Control Leadership […]

On aired: July 27, 2024: The Meghna River, swelling under the impacts of climate change, has pushed 8 to 10 kilometers into human settlements, wiping out villages, farmlands, and marketplaces. Entire communities are being uprooted as devastating erosion continues to destroy lives and livelihoods in Komolnagar upazila. In Sahebganj and two other unions of Komolnagar, […]

Lakshmipur: The relentless erosion of the Meghna River has forced thousands of families in Komolnagar upazila into climate-induced displacement, stripping them of ancestral homes and farmlands. Residents claim that if geo-bags had been placed on time to protect embankments, many families could have been spared the devastation. This is the first part of a special […]

Broadcast date: May 26, 2024 : The Safe Food Court has issued arrest warrants against five companies accused of marketing unauthorized electrolyte energy drinks, including Agami Limited, a company tied to multinational cigarette giant British American Tobacco (BAT). Agami had been selling an unapproved product called Recharge Electrolyte Drink, raising questions about BAT’s indirect involvement […]

‘জনস্বাস্থ্য রক্ষায় সিগারেটের দাম যত বেশি হয় তত ভালো অথবা তামাক কোম্পানিগুলো নির্ধারিত মূল্যের চেয়ে বেশি দাম নিলে সমস্যা নেই’। এমন একটি চিন্তা কিছু তামাক নিয়ন্ত্রণকর্মীদের মধ্যে পাওয়া যায়। যারা মনে করেন, দাম বেশি হলে মানুষ কম খাবে। আপাতদৃষ্টিতে বিষয়টি ইতিবাচক মনে হলেও বিষয়টা আসলে বুমেরাং হয়ে ফিরে আসে তামাক নিয়ন্ত্রণের ক্ষেত্রে। কারণ শুধু দাম […]

“Higher cigarette prices are good for public health, or if tobacco companies charge more than the official price, it’s not a problem.” This notion is common among some tobacco control advocates who believe higher prices reduce consumption. On the surface, this seems positive, but in reality, it’s a serious misconception. Raising prices without addressing regulation […]

Abstract: S Kumar Singha,1 R. Huque,2 1Jamuna Television, Special Correspondent, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2University of Dhaka, Department of Economics, Dhaka, Bangladesh. e-mail: sinhasmp@yahoo.com Background and challenges to implementation: Due to influence of British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB) and other Tobacco Industries (TI), existing tierbased tax system benefited TI’s and tax evasion became major obstacle on tobacco […]

From Dublin: Speaking at World Conference on Tobacco Control (WCTC) 2025 on global tobacco control, Bangladeshi journalist Sushanta k Singha raised a critical issue facing his country: the widespread use of smokeless tobacco and the lack of dedicated resources to combat it. “In Bangladesh, we have 35 million tobacco users,” Singha stated. “Out of them, […]

Today we had a great discussion with Mr. Guillermo A. Sandoval, Economist at WHO Headquarters, on the weaknesses in Bangladesh’s tobacco tax structure and the steps needed to better protect public health in the future. Together with other tobacco control advocates, we highlighted recent progress on tobacco taxation, addressed challenges of industry interference, and discussed […]

The World Health Organization (WHO) and global partners celebrate World No Tobacco Day every year on 31 May. World No Tobacco Day 2025, under the theme “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products,” exposes how the tobacco and nicotine industries use manipulative tactics – such as appealing product designs, attractive flavours, […]

As part of its vision to make Bangladesh tobacco-free by 2040, the government has initiated amendments to the Smoking and Tobacco Products Control Act. Over 16,000 people, including more than 150 members of parliament, have expressed support for the draft law, while 1,100 individuals and organizations have opposed it. Investigations revealed that most of the […]

Journalist and public health researcher Sushanta Kumar Singha, special correspondent at Ekattor Television, has been honored with the National Tobacco Control Award-2025 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for the second time, recognizing his outstanding contribution to tobacco control. The award was presented by the Health Adviser of Bangladesh during the World No […]

BER and BNTTP has jointly organized a training program on the `Economics of Tobacco and Tobacco Taxation: Public Health Perspective’. These three days long training programs took place from April 27 to 29. Like the 5th cohort, the 6th cohort of the training program was conducted online because of the current pandemic situation. 23 participants including […]

Sushanta Kumar Singha[1] Executive Summary In Bangladesh, cigarette taxes were first imposed in 1992-93, and while the tax structure has fluctuated over time, a four-tier system has been in place since 2004-05. However, there are no clear guidelines for determining cigarette prices, which are set annually in the national budget, often influenced by cigarette companies. […]

An investigative report by Sushanta Singha has uncovered widespread corruption in Bangladesh’s cigarette industry. Manufacturers and dealers are charging one taka extra per cigarette stick, defrauding consumers of approximately Tk 20 crore or 200 million every day. Retail cigarette packets are supposed to be sold at government-approved prices. However, vendors report that dealers and manufacturers […]

The land was purchased by the company for Tk 14.5 crore. However, sand worth Tk 142 crore was allegedly shown as being dumped for land filling. This undermines the proverb that the sun is hotter than the sand. By inflating costs in this way, the board of directors of Fareast Islami Life Insurance embezzled Tk […]

As part of the removal of Delta Life’s directors, false allegations of financial irregularities and corruption were circulated in their names to customers. On the basis of complaints made in the names of 10 policyholders without proper addresses or contact information, the regulatory body suspended the directors and appointed administrators. Even false complaints filed in […]

Confirmation of Participation:  I am pleased to inform you that I will attend the upcoming Consultative Meeting to Identify the Future Tobacco Control Research Needs in Bangladesh on August 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Bangladesh Medical Association Bhaban, Dhaka.

EP35-436-24 Tier-based tax system benefitted tobacco industries in Bangladesh S. Kumar Singha,1 R. Huque,2 1Jamuna Television, Special Correspondent, News, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2University of Dhaka, Department of Economics, Dhaka, Bangladesh. e-mail: sinhasmp@yahoo.com Background and challenges to implementation: Due to influence of British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB) and other Tobacco Industries (TI), existing tierbased tax system benefited […]

Analysis of BATB’s 10-year Annual Report: A Review of Financial Anomalies, Corporate Social Responsibility and Interference in Policy in Bangladesh Sushanta kumar singha Abstract: Bangladesh is the world’s eighth largest cigarette market, with annual volumes exceeding 86 billion units and a growth rate of 2%. 1 One of the most effective ways to increase government […]

Child labour dominate in bidi factories in Bangladesh 11 May 2016 Bidi factory owners gain but child workers suffer in Bangladesh A study on Bangladesh’s bidi industry has revealed the harsh reality of child labour. Children between 7 and 14 years of age dominate the workforce because they can be paid less than adults. Their […]

In order to protect public health in Bangladesh, the National Board of Revenue has taken a groundbreaking decision to increase cigarette taxes and prices in light of the FCTC. The National Board of Revenue has surprised everyone by significantly increasing tobacco taxes and prices. For the second time in the current fiscal year, the Bangladesh […]

ABSTRACT Background: Mass media plays an important role in influencing tobacco control policies. The tobacco industry also uses the mass media to promote their products and undermine tobacco control policies, in particular tobacco tax policies. To understand the tactics of tobacco industry to prevent effective tobacco tax policies through analyzing media reports on tobacco tax […]

Sushanta Kumar Singha, a well-known figure in the media and tobacco control, has significantly improved public health by revealing the deceptive practices of Bangladesh’s tobacco industry. His research and investigative journalism have not only revealed hidden facts but also contributed to important policy changes that are consistent with Bangladesh’s tobacco control priority. He addressed a longstanding misconception regarding the amount of Bidi workers  in Bangladesh with one of his ground-breaking disclosures.Singha’s […]

Following a report by Ekattor Television, the British American Tobacco (BAT) company allegedly obtained licenses for its factories overnight by claiming them as shops rather than manufacturing units. Investigations suggest that senior officials from the Dhaka Labor Department exerted influence, compelling the Kushtia office to grant these licenses. There are also claims that some officials […]

Following a report by Ekattor Television, the British American Tobacco (BAT) company allegedly obtained licenses for its factories overnight by claiming them as shops rather than manufacturing units. Investigations suggest that senior officials from the Dhaka Labor Department exerted influence, compelling the Kushtia office to grant these licenses. There are also claims that some officials […]

British American Tobacco (BAT), a multinational cigarette company, has been running a 16-acre factory in the residential Mahakhali DOHS area of Dhaka. The factory was initially established in 1965 when Mahakhali was a rural area. The lease, granted for 30 years and renewed twice, expired in 2024. Despite environmental and public health risks, BAT tried […]

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has upheld a High Court order directing British American Tobacco (BAT) to relocate its cigarette factory from the residential DOHS area in Mahakhali. BAT must move the factory by July 7, 2025. The Mahakhali factory occupies 16 acres on leased land. The Cantonment Board had decided as early […]

In the past year, tobacco cultivation in Bangladesh has increased by 50,000 acres, reaching 142,000 acres in 2024, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Analysts attribute this growth to the removal of a 25% export duty on tobacco leaves, which has encouraged multinational cigarette companies to expand cultivation—a key focus of investigative reporter Sushanta Singha. […]

Hundreds of impoverished families in East Dumuria, Shyamnagar, Satkhira, are facing a new crisis—not from storms or floods, but from human activity. Soil from a canal dredging project by the Water Development Board has been dumped on homes, yards, gardens, and farms, forcing the demolition of some houses and shops. Contractors reportedly collected 4,000–6,000 taka […]

In Gabura Union of Shyamnagar, Satkhira, thousands of impoverished residents rely on a freshwater pond known as “Drishtinandan” for their drinking water. About a year ago, a purification pump was installed to treat water from the pond, but many families—unable to afford purified water—still depend directly on the pond for survival. This report is the […]

In Southern last part of Bangladesh, Gabura Union, the last union of Shyamnagar upazila in Satkhira, people live surrounded by saline water from shrimp farms and face an acute shortage of drinking water. About a year and a half ago, a private organization installed a water filter pump in the Lakshikhali area, bringing some relief […]

Cotton is unique among crops in Bangladesh because farmers can sell it at a fixed price from planting to harvest. This is possible because the Bangladesh Cotton Ginners Association (BCGA), with support from the Cotton Development Board (CDB), buys all cotton directly from farmers, eliminating middlemen. Final Episode – Series Report on Cotton Cultivation by […]

For the first time, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Agriculture has provided incentives worth Tk 10 crore to over 12,000 cotton farmers across the country. The support package—covering fertilizer, seeds, and pesticides—is expected to generate an additional Tk 70 crore in cotton yield, according to the Cotton Development Board (CDB), which also hinted at further incentive expansion […]

Beyond fiber, cotton seeds are proving highly valuable in Bangladesh. After processing in ginning mills, the seeds are used to produce cottonseed oil, which the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) has certified as a nutritious, high-quality edible oil low in cholesterol. Globally, the cottonseed oil market exceeds $3 billion, and entrepreneurs believe […]

Bangladesh has begun experimental cultivation of three high-yield cotton varieties from Sudan, alongside four existing local and imported varieties already grown on 45,000 hectares of land. Farmers report that these Sudanese varieties, though smaller in plant size, are producing double the yield within just four months compared to conventional types. Second Episode  of Series Report […]

It highlights that Bangladesh requires around 8 million bales of cotton annually, but nearly 97% is imported, costing about $8 billion (≈ Tk 90,000 crore) each year. Despite having fertile land and producing high-quality cotton—better than India and Pakistan—the country grows only about 200,000 bales in districts like Chuadanga, Kushtia, Jhenaidah, Dinajpur, and the Chittagong […]

BAT’s Influence Over Government Officials: BAT has been accused of using political influence to avoid accountability for its illegal operations and violations of labor laws. The company has had multiple government officials, including secretaries and high-ranking bureaucrats, sitting on its board of directors. Secretaries in the Board of Directors: BAT’s board includes influential government figures […]

Illegal Land Seizure in Kushtia: British American Tobacco (BAT) is also facing serious allegations of land grabbing in Kushtia, where it has taken possession of ancestral lands belonging to local families. Despite the land being registered with documents proving its rightful ownership, the affected families are unable to reclaim the property due to BAT’s influence […]

Illegal Factory Operations: BAT has continued to operate in Bangladesh, running tobacco factories without necessary legal registrations or government permissions. In addition to illegally operating factories, BAT has consistently violated major labor laws, leading to the exploitation of workers. Despite employing over 1,800 workers, BAT has failed to provide them with basic documentation like identity […]

Seasonal Factory Status:    Since 2007, BAT has declared its Kushtia factory as seasonal, which meant it could legally operate for just 125 days per year. However, the company has been running the factory year-round, violating this seasonal classification. This practice led to unlawful dismissals of workers who were kept in seasonal roles without compensation. Dismissals […]

Description of my first part story: The Factories: British American Tobacco (BAT) has been running multiple tobacco processing factories in Kushtia and other locations like Khaja Nagar, Allah Dargah, Meherpur, Jhenaidah, and Chuadanga without proper government registration or permits. In Kushtia, BAT operates factories that are not officially authorized by the Department of Factory and […]

Sushanta Kumar Singha, widely known as Sushanta Sinha, is a Bangladeshi television journalist who has devoted the last 16 years to investigative reporting, with a particular focus on tobacco control, financial corruption, and climate change. He currently serves as a Planning Editor at Ekattor Television and is recognized as the first journalist in Bangladesh to […]

Despite a High Court verdict, Dhaka authorities have yet to free the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Memorial Park in Gulshan from occupation. Instead, the North City Corporation’s administrator has once again leased the public park to Gulshan Youth Club. On Saturday, environmental activists under the banner Maidan-Park and Waterbody Protection Movement criticized the move, saying many […]

Tobacco companies apply various tactics, including myths and pricing strategies, to retain smokers, spread their products and weaken the impact of tobacco tax. Tobacco Company (TC) also applies tactics to evade government revenue. As a result, the increase in the tobacco tax is mostly absorbed. Bangladesh is a country where tobacco use is still high. […]

In every tea shop in Bangladesh, even on the streets, numerous cigarette butts, locally called Motha, can be seen. Cigarette butts fall into the drain; from there, they go through the river to the sea. According to the data of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), about 80 billion cigarettes are sold every year in […]

Abstract: Bangladesh is the world’s eighth largest cigarette market, with annual volumes exceeding 86 billion units and a growth rate of 2%.1 One of the most effective ways to increase government revenues while also decreasing tobacco consumption is through strong tax policy.2 In Bangladesh, a value added tax (VAT) on cigarettes was first introduced in the financial […]

An additional 200 million BDT is taken daily from consumers by cigarette companies. Even when companies charge one taka extra for each stick cigarette, they keep taking in 200 million BDT a day or 70 billion BDT annually, but the government does not receive any revenue. This is tax avoidance, according to my investigative report.