Understanding the patterns of Influence exerted by tobacco industries to disrupt implementation of tobacco control policies and endanger public health in Bangladesh

Abstract

Objective: Tobacco industry (TI) exaggerates their economic importance; discredits proven science and uses litigation to intimidate governments in order to undermine tobacco control efforts. TI hampers the government s efforts to fully implement public health policies of a country. Hence it is essential to investigate the strategies they use to undermine tobacco control polices. This study explored the role tobacco industries play in influencing tobacco control efforts in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out during April to November 2019. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Thirty (30) key informant interviews (KII) were conducted with relevant Government of Bangladesh (GoB) officials and media personnel, and tobacco control activists. Secondary data were collected from various tobacco control organizations as well as related reports, publications and news reports. Results: The study revealed that GoB officials hold various meetings informally with TI, but content and outcome of the meetings have never been made public. Tobacco control activists have strong evidence to believe that the TI officials are influencing the Ministry of Finance to stop them from raising taxes on tobacco products. The TI is consistently arguing that if strong policies are adopted, then tobacco users switching to other drugs; an increase in illicit trade of tobacco; an increase in unemployment and a loss in tax revenue from tobacco products. Multinational tobacco companies are also using foreign missions and high officials to influence government machineries to protect their tobacco business. Conclusion: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare should take the initiative to make the relevant ministries aware that tobacco industries cannot be allowed to influence policy decisions. The government should immediately develop and implement a guideline including Code of Conduct for government officials dealing with the TI and take appropriate measures to ensure the enforcement of the tobacco control policy in Bangladesh.</br></br> Key Words: Tobacco Control Policy, Tobacco Industry influence, graphic health warnings, policy implementation