Forging A Better Tomorrow.
The company started its journey as Imperial Tobacco Company in 1910, becoming Bangladesh Tobacco Company (BTC) in 1972 and today, this century-old organization is known as BAT Bangladesh. The company is a part of BAT plc, the world’s leading tobacco group, with brands sold in approximately 200 markets around the world.
In an ever-evolving world, BAT recognizes the need for a business model that will ensure sustainable delivery of excellence, today and tomorrow. Responding to this intrinsic need, the BAT Group embraced a new vision and purpose, espoused in a journey that promises A Better Tomorrow™ for all.
Drawing inspiration from BAT Group’s refreshed purpose, BAT Bangladesh has also embraced a new vision and commitment, enshrined in its ambition to facilitate a transformational journey for all stakeholders. This vision centres around its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities, guiding how the company delivers against its purpose, putting sustainability front and centre.
Sustainability is at the heart of BAT Bangladesh and thus, they leave no stone unturned in ensuring excellent corporate governance and sustainable business practices. A dedicated management team at the company relentlessly works to ensure the seamless planning and execution of ESG-driven initiatives including the CSR programs.
To back the processes and practices, there is an active CSR committee that consists of qualified individuals representing various sectors. A dedicated Sustainability Affairs Team is also present under the External Affairs Department who are responsible for planning and smooth execution of all CSR initiatives.
Some of BAT Bangladesh’s ESG targets include achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2030 (scope 1 & 2) and net zero emissions across its value chain by 2050.
BAT Bangladesh’s approach to ESG includes achieving its ambitious environmental goals, sustaining its robust governance systems and controls; investing in its employees and fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment; providing consumers with choice, responsibly and transparently; strengthening the communities in which they live and work; and integrating sustainability into the fabric of its everyday activities.
BAT Bangladesh takes immense pride in contributing to the economic development of the nation by complementing the SDGs through its initiatives, thus supporting the development of skilled human resources, facilitating the incorporation of globally integrated work practices, and implementing an environmentally responsible business model. As one of Bangladesh’s most economically impactful entities, BAT Bangladesh plays an effective role in contributing to maximizing exchequer contributions and providing large-scale employment.
The company also takes a proactive stance on environmental management, focusing on sustained investments in minimizing the impact of its operations on the environment, while also ensuring that they share best practices with its extended ecosystem.
Some of its notable strides towards ensuring a sustainable environment for its stakeholders include LEED and AWS certification, waste recycling and zero waste to landfill.
On the community front, BAT Bangladesh also champions three flagship initiatives, namely the afforestation program, the safe drinking water initiative and the renewable energy project.
Under the afforestation initiative, BAT Bangladesh has distributed 120 million fruit, forestry, and medical plant saplings to date and established 119 biodiversity corners, supporting the Bangladesh government to reach the targets of UN SDG 13 and SDG 15.
The company’s safe drinking water initiative has been providing safe drinking water to rural communities since 2009 and is supporting the government’s effort in ensuring 100% of the population enjoys safely managed drinking water services by 2030.
Since the renewable energy initiative’s commencement, 2,591 solar home systems have been installed across 25 villages in the off-grid, hilly districts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, improving the livelihood and living standards of the community there.
“BAT Bangladesh is an exemplary example of a corporation invested in the country in which it does business in. Even as it uses Bangladesh as a base, it has given back by ensuring safe drinking water to rural communities since 2009 and is supporting the government’s effort in ensuring 100% of the population enjoys safely managed drinking water services by 2030; a targeted, long-term plan that speaks of the long-haul investment to the country, among other valuable initiatives.”
Shanggari Balakrishnan, Chief Executive Officer, MORS Group
