Considering the harmful effect of tobacco, the government is taking consistent and multi-pronged steps, including implementing laws and strengthening policies to control tobacco. But the cause of great concern is that despite the many positive initiatives taken by the government to control tobacco, tobacco companies have long been influencing the implementation of laws and the formulation of supporting policies, which is creating a major obstacle in the implementation of the commitment of the honorable Prime Minister to build a tobacco-free Bangladesh by 2040 to improve public health. With the emphasis on the above issues, today, 31 October 2022, at 11:00 am, a discussion meeting titled "Interference by companies in tobacco control" was organized at Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall of National Press Club under the initiative of Bangladesh Anti-Tobacco Alliance and WBB Trust. 

Continuing to increase taxes on tobacco products is considered as one of the most effective means of controlling tobacco use. Besides, if it is possible to implement specific taxation provisions, the revenue of the government will increase and tax evasion will be prevented. It is important to keep the young generation away from the use of tobacco products in order to achieve the target of implementation of the commitment of the Hon'ble Prime Minister to make tobacco free Bangladesh by 2040. With emphasis on the above issues, a consultative meeting on "Need of imposing Specific Taxes to Control Tobacco Products" was organized by Health Economics Unit (HEU), Bangladesh Anti-Tobacco Alliance (BATA) and Work for a Better Bangladesh (WBB) Trust on 25th October, 2022 in the conference room of Health Economics Unit. The meeting called for reducing dependency on tobacco and finding other means of revenue generation. Besides, it was highlighted that all types of unhealthy products such as soft drinks, sweets, and all types of processed (SSB) food are being taxed and taken beyond the purchasing power of the consumer.