Speakers at a virtual roundtable discussion on Tuesday observed that Bangladesh lacks any specific policy regulation when it comes to revenue generation from tobacco products. In 2016, the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave a directive to simplify the existing tobacco tax structure and adopt a strong tobacco tax policy, however, the last six years have yielded no progress in the implementation of PM’s directive.
They also said the lack of effective tobacco tax measures has rendered tobacco products more and more affordable over the years. This has put public health under threat and cause the government lose revenue.
The virtual roundtable meeting titled "PM' Directive for Simplified and Strong Tobacco Tax Policy: Impediments and Way Forward", was jointly organized by research and advocacy organization PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) and Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA). Campaign for Tobacco-free Kids (CTFK) has supported the event.
Renowned economist and the convener of the National Anti-Tobacco Platform, Dr. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad said, “The Prime Minister has given directives for a simple tobacco tax structure. It is the duty of the government machinery to follow any directive provided by the Prime Minister and those who are responsible for taking that lightly must be held accountable."
Professor Dr. Habibe Millat MP said that, "The members of the parliament used to issue DOs against raising tobacco taxes in the past, but currently they are issuing DOs in favour of raising tobacco taxes. We look forward to seeing the NBR and the Ministry of Finance take positive actions this time. Dr. Nasir Uddin Ahmed, former Chairman of National Board of Revenue (NBR), said, "The ministries of Health and Finance need to be on the same page with regard to raising tobacco taxes. It will be much more fruitful if the MoHFW calls for meetings with the MoF to place this proposition on tobacco taxes."
It was informed in the event that Bangladesh is the first signatory country in the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) of World Health Organization (WHO).
The multi-tiered ad-valorem tax structure has made cigarettes cheaper and more affordable over the years. It lets consumers switch to cheaper brands instead of giving up smoking.
