ঢাকারবিবার , ৯ অগাস্ট ২০২৬
Sushanta K Singha, a special correspondent at Ekattor Television and a public health researcher, has received WHO SEAR Regional Director’s Special Recognition Award for South-East Asia. He was honored with this prestigious international recognition for his significant and consistent contributions to tobacco control journalism. Notably, this is the first time a journalist from Bangladesh has received such an esteemed award from the World Health Organization (WHO).
On Wednesday morning (18 June 2025), the award was presented at the WHO office in Bangladesh by Dr. Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed, WHO Representative to Bangladesh; Dr. Rajesh Narwal, Deputy WHO Representative to Bangladesh, and Md. Akhtaruzzaman, Director General of the National Tobacco Control Cell.
During the award ceremony, Dr. Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed stated, “In safeguarding public health, especially tobacco control, journalists, researchers, and the WHO will continue to collaborate actively. Sushanta Singha’s courageous and evidence-based journalism has significantly influenced policy decisions in Bangladesh. This award is a recognition of that impact.”
Md. Akhtaruzzaman, Director General of the National Tobacco Control Cell, remarked, “While many journalists report on tobacco issues, Sushanta Singha’s investigative and research-driven reporting has played a unique role in tobacco control. His achievement is not just personal; it is a matter of national pride for Bangladesh.”
Upon receiving the award, Sushanta Singha said, “This achievement is not mine alone—it belongs to Ekattor Television, which has boldly aired reports exposing tax evasion, policy interference, and other wrongdoings of tobacco companies. Without their support, receiving this WHO Regional Award would not have been possible. Particularly, Ekattor Television played a vital role in unmasking multinational cigarette companies.”
Sushanta Singha’s investigative reports on labor rights violations, demands for fair wages, and misinformation spread by tobacco companies—particularly concerning the British American Tobacco factory in Kushtia—have raised public awareness and influenced policy both nationally and internationally.
In recognition of his contributions to tobacco control, he received the World No Tobacco Day Award from the Ministry of Health in both 2023 and 2025. Additionally, his series of reports on labor rights at the British American Tobacco factory in Kushtia earned him the Best Investigative Reporter Award from the Ministry of Labour.
