115 years in Bangladesh: BAT’s journey of growth, responsibility and community development
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.
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.