BAT wants modification of tobacco control act, 2005

FE Report The British American Tobacco Company (BAT) has demanded modification of tobacco control act 2005 for the sake of public health protection. Officials of BAT made the demand during a meeting with the Industries Minister Dilip Barua at the latter's office Sunday. They said the act has no provision to smoke in public places though in different developed countries there are such places. The officials sought government help for sustainability of tobacco industries as almost 6 million people directly or indirectly depend on those for their livelihood. The industry is paying almost US$ 1 billion tax every year to the government exchequer, the officials added. In the meeting, industries minister said the government will consider as far as possible to declare tobacco as industry. But it will not patronise any industry that could pose threat to public health, environment and biodiversity, he added. Industries ministry secretary KH Masud Siddiqui, director of BAT Zakir Ibne Hai, company secretary Azizul Islam and manager Ariful Islam were present during the meeting.