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DIU-JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCE

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Myths and Realities of Tobacco Companies: An Analysis of BATB’s 10-Year Financial Reports

Published: 30 July 2025 | Volume: 12 Issue: 1

Sushanta K Singha

Ekattor Television, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Md. Ibrahim Khalil

Bureau of Economic Research, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

In Bangladesh, tobacco control efforts face significant challenges due to the influence of multinational corporations like British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB), which controls around 75% of cigarette production. While the country has implemented laws to protect public health, tobacco companies continue to employ aggressive marketing strategies, including eye-catching ads and CSR programs, to attract young consumers and shape public opinion. BATB’s dominance, especially in the low-tier cigarette market, has been bolstered by a complex, multi-tier tax system that allows the company to boost profits while keeping prices affordable. BATB sends foreign currency abroad by buying equipment, services, technical fees, tobacco leaves, etc., which is harmful to Bangladesh and tobacco growers. If BATB had not sent such a considerable amount to their mother company, the money would have been added to the company's profit. As a result, the government would get a 47.5 percent corporate income tax, and shareholders would get more dividends on that money.

Keywords

Bidi, BATB, Cigarettes, Public health, Tobacco company

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