Analyses are being conducted as an integral part of research for reviewing the policies of the government, analyzing effective tax and price measures to be undertaken, analyzing the economics of tobacco control and reviewing the available studies on tobacco issues. The findings are being used in advocacy. The policy analysis includes the following: |
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Review of current prices of and revenues from tobacco in the country and abroad to determine a target price of tobacco products, which will be effective in curbing the demand. Setting country-specific target prices (or minimum prices to be achieved through taxation) is a very important aspect of taxation policy. Once these target prices are determined, it will become much easier to defend tax increases in Bangladesh.
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Determination of the price elasticity of tobacco products to indicate to the policy-makers how much they should increase taxes to earn incremental revenues and at the same time curbing the use of tobacco.
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Review of tax administration and enforcement in Bangladesh which involves study of existing mechanisms such as licenses for manufacture, distribution and sale of tobacco products; recruitment and training of tax enforcement personnel; and accounting systems. The findings from such analyses are expected to yield recommendations to strengthen enforcement .
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Analysis of the bidi and smokeless tobacco markets and industry with estimates of the potential impact of raising taxes on bidis on consumption and employment is planed to conduct.
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Review of the socio-economic profile of all categories of bidi workers with detailed information on their income through bidi manufacture and other alternates sources.
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Analysis of feasibility of earmarking of tobacco taxes for tobacco control or other health/development programs, with public and/or policy-makers opinion surveys to enable mobilization for higher tobacco taxes and stronger enforcement measures.
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Situation analysis of illicit trade in tobacco products in Bangladesh is are being undertaken to inform the rational for strengthening of tax enforcement mechanisms.
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Analysis of health cost offsets to the national budget if tobacco consumption were reduced.
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Draft taxation rules and guidelines to guide the decision makers and implementers in formulating and implementing appropriate taxation policies and regulations. |
