BATB stresses on lawful factory operations for avoiding revenue losses

In response to recent protests of a group of former seasonal workers at BAT Bangladesh’s Green Leaf Threshing Plant in Kushtia for various demands, the company has said steps have already been taken to address most of the demands where appropriate.

“Steps have already been taken to address most of the demands where appropriate in order to achieve an effective end to the current disruption,” the company said in a statement.

“The ongoing labour unrest has delayed the start of operations at the seasonal factory in Kushtia, causing significant financial losses. This disruption puts both the company’s export commitments and local production at risk.”

“However, based on BAT Bangladesh’s legal interpretation, the remaining few demands appear to fall outside the provisions of Bangladesh’s labour laws.”

“As part of its commitment to a peaceful resolution, BAT Bangladesh has engaged in open and constructive dialogue with the protesting worker representatives, participated in multiple rounds of discussions facilitated by relevant government authorities, and offered improved benefits within the legal framework.”

“The current season is particularly critical for leaf buying and processing. Over 50,000 farmers rely on this factory to ensure their yield is processed on time—further underscoring the broader importance of uninterrupted operations.”

“The protesting workers are now threatening other workers who are willing to return to work, indicating that the movement is being driven by a few with vested interests, rather than being driven by the collective voice of the broader workforce.”

“If unresolved, the situation may force BAT Bagladesh to halt operations entirely, resulting in revenue losses for both our business and the government – an outcome that we must avoid.”

According to the statement, BAT Bangladesh, one of the largest private sector enterprises operating in the country for over 115 years, has contributed nearly Tk 360.00 billion to the national exchequer through VAT, supplementary duty, corporate tax, and health development surcharge in 2023-24 fiscal year – making it one of the highest tax-paying companies. It is the only publicly listed company in the cigarette sector and one of the highest capitalised firms on the stock exchange.