As BAT Bangladesh completes 115 years, Shabab Ahmed Choudhury, Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, reflects on the company’s legacy of growth, its role in national development, and how it continues to drive responsible business practices while preparing for a future rooted in sustainability.
Dhaka Tribune: 115 years is quite the milestone! How would you describe BAT Bangladesh’s journey throughout this period?
Shabab Ahmed Choudhury: Indeed, 115 years is a remarkable milestone — one that speaks to our enduring partnership with Bangladesh and its people. From our early days as Imperial Tobacco to our transformation into BAT Bangladesh, this journey has been shaped by innovation, resilience, and a deep-rooted sense of responsibility.
None of this would have been possible without the steadfast support of various bodies of the Government of Bangladesh — including the National Board of Revenue, the Bangladesh Army, and other law enforcement agencies — as well as our valued consumers, partners, and shareholders. Their trust and collaboration have been instrumental in driving our growth.
Over the decades, we have consistently prioritized sustainable business practices, setting benchmarks in corporate governance, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. Sustainability, for us, is not a buzzword — it’s at the heart of how we create shared value across our stakeholder ecosystem.
Our afforestation programme, for instance, is the largest private-sector-driven CSR initiative in the country and a testament to our long-term commitment to the environment. We are also proud to be recognized by Bloomberg’s Sustainability Ratings as one of the top-performing companies in this space — a clear reflection of our dedication to transparent reporting, environmental accountability, and positive impact.
Q2. BAT Bangladesh has been one of the pioneers of FDI in the country and a strong contributor to national development. How do you view this role?
Ans. We take immense pride in being one of the earliest and most consistent foreign investors in Bangladesh, with a legacy that spans over 115 years since 1910. Our long-standing presence is not just a reflection of business continuity — it is a testament to our commitment to creating long-term value for the nation and its people.
Our investments have continuously supported Bangladesh’s economic progress. In the 2023–2024 fiscal year alone, BAT Bangladesh contributed nearly BDT 36,000 crore to the national exchequer. We are also a proud exporter of high-quality, locally grown tobacco leaf.
BAT Bangladesh is the only publicly listed tobacco company in the country and one of the top companies in terms of market capitalisation. Beyond financial contributions, our extensive value chain supports the livelihoods of approximately 1.5 million people — including our employees, farmers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers.
Q3. In recent times, we have seen BAT Bangladesh’s operations in Kushtia come into the news. Can you clarify the situation?
Ans. BAT Bangladesh has had a strong presence in Kushtia for over 50 years, and we have always maintained collaborative and transparent relationships with key government institutions — including the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), the Department of Labour (DOL), the Ministry of Labour (MOL), and the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
Recently, a group of former seasonal workers at our Green Leaf Threshing Plant (GLTP) in Kushtia raised numerous demands. Several steps were taken to address most of the demands raised, where appropriate, to end the ongoing disruption effectively. However, the remaining matters are sub judice, and we are awaiting the court’s guidance before proceeding further.
As part of our commitment to a peaceful resolution, we had engaged in constructive and open dialogue with the protesting worker representatives, participated in several rounds of discussions facilitated by relevant government authorities, and offered enhanced benefits within the legal framework. I am happy to share that with the support of the honourable DC and SP of Kushtia we were able to reach an amicable settlement with the protesting workers. The factory is currently operational again, and on track to process tobacco for both domestic consumption and export.
Q4: Several groups have recently raised environmental concerns regarding BAT Bangladesh’s factory operations in Mohakhali DOHS, Dhaka. What is BAT Bangladesh’s viewpoint on the matter?
Ans. At BAT Bangladesh, we are committed to operating responsibly and sustainably. We have seen concerns raised by various vested interest groups regarding our Dhaka factory’s location in Mohakhali DOHS.
In line with our long-term sustainability goals and commitment to responsible business practices, we have already planned beyond the current premises and set up a factory in Savar. Significant investments have been made in our Savar facility in recent years, as part of our continued foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh.
However, considering the scale of our operations, the need to safeguard the livelihoods of over 1,000 employees in the Dhaka factory, and our consistent contribution to the national exchequer, a seamless transition is essential. To ensure uninterrupted operations and continued economic contribution, we have requested additional time from the relevant authorities for the relocation process.
We remain confident that, with the support of our stakeholders, we will be able to carry out this transition in a responsible manner—upholding our commitment to sustainability, employment, and national development.
Q5. BAT Bangladesh is renowned as a talent hub for local professionals. How are Bangladeshi talents evaluated across the BAT group?
Ans. We are incredibly proud of how talent from Bangladesh continues to shine on the global stage. BAT Bangladesh has long been a talent incubator, not only for our organization but also for diverse industries. Many of our alumni now serve as C-suite members and senior leaders across various sectors. More than 50 Bangladeshi managers are currently working in markets around the world within the BAT group.
We also take great pride in our shop floor employees—those directly involved in manufacturing, assembly, and other production activities—who have recently traveled abroad to train factory employees in countries like Poland. Through flagship initiatives like Battle of Minds, we nurture future leaders, offering them a platform to showcase their potential.
Additionally, BAT Bangladesh has been the only company in the country to be recognized as a Top Employer for six years. This acknowledgment highlights our unwavering commitment to developing exceptional local talent and creating an environment where professionals can thrive.
Q6. How do you envision the future for BAT in Bangladesh?
Ans. Bangladesh has always been one of the highest-priority markets for the BAT Group, and we are deeply committed to continuing our legacy of excellence in this country. We are driven by the goal of maintaining responsible business conduct, aligning our efforts with the nation’s vision, and contributing to the country’s national development for a prosperous future. With the continued support of our communities and stakeholders, we are confident that the best is yet to come for BAT Bangladesh.