International Journal of Qualitative Research
Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025): November

Unraveling Tobacco Tax Evasion in Bangladesh: Evasion Tactics and Prevention Challenges

Shah, A.M.M. Mubassher (Unknown)
Hasan, Adila Reza (Unknown)
Tamrin, Samantha (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Despite having a high tax rate, tobacco products in Bangladesh are purchasable at lower prices due to tax evasion and avoidance compared to the rest of the world. Therefore, this study intends to explore the ways of tobacco tax evasion and challenges within the current tax system to prevent tax evasion in Bangladesh. A qualitative approach has been adopted, involving 30 in-depth interviews with retailers and 10 key informant interviews with key stakeholders. While conducting IDIs, tobacco products were also observed to identify tax-evaded products. Secondary data was gathered from relevant reports and journal articles. These were analyzed employing a thematic analysis approach. The study reveals that tax evasion in Bangladesh primarily occurs through the use of counterfeit tax stamps, illicit trade, fraudulent financial reporting, and illegal production. It also highlights the misuse of the tax tier system and the weak enforcement and monitoring system as key challenges of the current tax system in Bangladesh. These findings underscore the importance of a centralized digital monitoring system using tools such as digital tax stamps or QR codes and scanners to detect tax information to enhance tobacco tax compliance and prevent tax evasion in Bangladesh.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijqr

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Environmental Science Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

International Journal of Qualitative Research is an International Journal, Peer-Reviewed, and Open Access which is devoted to disseminating the results of qualitative research. IJQR does not accept a critical review manuscript. The scope of publication in the International Journal of Qualitative ...