The Ministry of Labour has identified 45 breaches of labour laws and workplace safety regulations at British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)’s tobacco processing plant in Kushtia.
These infractions include irregularities in factory registration, denial of worker benefits such as profit-sharing and leave, unsafe working conditions, and the absence of proper appointment letter records.
A labour ministry report states that although BATB registered the facility as a seasonal factory, it operates year-round and is one of the company’s key processing units.
Furthermore, the factory compels employees to work beyond regular hours and does not grant them weekly holidays.
The report also highlights the factory’s failure to implement essential health and safety measures for workers and its non-compliance with compensation laws for occupational diseases and workplace accidents.
Despite being given a deadline to resolve 22 of these infractions, BATB failed to comply.
Consequently, on 4 March, the Ministry of Labour instructed the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) to seek an explanation from the company.
On 9 March, a letter signed by the deputy inspector general of DIFE’s Kushtia office, Forhad Wahab, was sent to BATB, requesting a formal response.
Labour Ministry Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman confirmed the matter, stating, “We will take the next legal steps. Being a large company does not mean British American Tobacco can evade accountability.”
However, he did not specify the legal actions under consideration.
A senior DIFE official, speaking anonymously, warned that if BATB failed to rectify the violations, legal proceedings could be initiated against the company.
BATB’s Response In response to TBS’s queries, a BATB spokesperson stated, “As a responsible company, BATB is committed to full compliance with local laws and regulations. We have noted all the regulatory observations by DIFE and are engaging with the relevant authorities as appropriate.”
The statement further added that BATB had outlined its corrective measures and was in discussions with DIFE regarding compliance matters.
However, an earlier letter from M Alam Khan, former plant manager of BATB’s Kushtia factory, sent to DIFE on 30 October, stated that the company had formed a cross-functional team to address the 22 identified violations.
He requested an extension, citing the end of the operating season as a barrier to immediate implementation.
DIFE, however, dismissed this request as a tactic to delay legal compliance.
Discovery of Violations BATB’s Kushtia plant, established decades ago, was registered in 2007 as a seasonal tobacco processing facility, meaning it was intended to operate for only 125 days per year.
However, in July last year, some seasonal workers who were not rehired filed complaints with the local administration and DIFE, alleging various labour irregularities.
Following these complaints, the Kushtia district administration instructed the local DIFE office and the Department of Labour to conduct an investigation. On 29 August, a 10-member team began inquiries, uncovering 22 distinct labour law violations.
A subsequent detailed inspection in September revealed a total of 45 infractions, covering both worker rights and workplace safety.
Major Irregularities Identified The labour ministry’s report outlines several serious violations, including the absence of appointment letters specifying job roles, the failure to issue ID cards with photographs, and inadequate protective measures against occupational hazards.
The internal factory pathways were found obstructed, with numerous hazardous iron staircases and platforms.
Additionally, the facility lacked an adequate number of fire extinguishers, and there were no records of their usage.
Workers injured on duty were not provided with free medical treatment until full recovery, nor were they compensated for occupational diseases or accidents as per legal requirements.
Furthermore, the factory failed to establish a daycare facility, compelled employees to work beyond their normal hours, and did not provide them with weekly holidays.
Although registered as a seasonal factory, it violated several provisions of this classification.
Notably, the report also states that out of seven BATB factories in Kushtia, Meherpur, and Chuadanga, only one holds a valid licence.
Exploitation of Workers’ Rights The investigation found that seasonal workers employed since 2012 were initially retained annually, but from 2015 onwards, they began to be dismissed at the end of each season.
According to Bangladesh’s labour laws, seasonal workers cannot be terminated arbitrarily.
Former factory workers and DIFE officials report that of approximately 1,700 employees at the Kushtia plant, only 69 are permanent staff—41 in management and 28 as general employees.
Among the remaining workforce, 146 are classified as seasonal workers, while the rest are hired through contractors.
With the exception of permanent employees, workers are deprived of benefits such as provident funds, gratuity, and profit-sharing.
Currently, only permanent employees are entitled to financial benefits under labour laws, including provident funds, gratuity, and profit-sharing.
BATB’s business has seen exponential growth.
According to its financial reports, the company’s profits have doubled over the past six years.
In 2024 alone, BATB recorded a net profit exceeding Tk1,750 crore after deducting all expenses.
