BAT contracts with Bangladeshi tobacco farmers unfair: Study

British American Tobacco’s (BAT) contracts with tobacco farmers across Bangladesh are flawed and unfair, according to a new study conducted by the Swedish NGO Swedwatch.

The study titled “Smokescreens in the supply chain” found that tobacco cultivation for global tobacco industry is wrought by environmental problems and human rights concerns against millions of farmers, labourers and their family members in developing countries.

It recommended BAT and other tobacco companies to remove the ‘smoke screens’ over their supply chains by publishing impact assessments and 3rd party audits and to take immediate action to protect people and the environment.

Child labour is widespread and the tobacco related work impacts on children and adults’ health and wellbeing, the study said.

How BAT responded to the study?

In early May 2016, Swedwatch shared its study findings from Bangladesh with BAT headquarters in London, UK.

In response, BAT provided answers and clarifications and shared a number of documents, including commissioned studies, which are available in the 10 uploaded files on Swedwatch’s webpage.

BAT has authorised  Swedwatch to publish all files bar three draft commissioned studies from Bangladesh. According to BAT, these will be published in final versions at a later stage.