Apply for Research Grant!!
Exciting Research Opportunities! Join Us at BER, University of Dhaka
Eligibility Criteria:
- Qualifications and Experience:
– Applicants should be current master’s students or recent post-graduates with a strong academic background in a relevant field, such as Economics, Health Economics, Public Health, Development Studies, Journalism or a related discipline.
– Previous research experience or Investigative Journalism is preferred.
- Strong analytical and writing skills are essential.
- Fluency in both English and Bengali is required.
- Applicants must be non-smokers and have no current or past affiliation with the tobacco industry within the last five years. If any smoking habits (including cigarettes, e-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco) or affiliations with the tobacco industry are discovered, the fellowship acceptance will be cancelled.
Application Process:
Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume with the relevant information
(However, to complete the activities as per the TOR and to submit the deliverables mentioned in this RFP, the candidate may wish to include more team members in this project. In that case, please attach a brief CV of each of the team members within a maximum of 2 pages which includes a description of team members’ roles for this project, qualifications and experience relevant to the work.)
- A Cover Letter – Applicants should explain how this fellowship aligns with their interests and how the research will contribute to their development.
- Research Proposal:
– Applicants should submit a well-defined research proposal outlining the objectives, significance, and methodology of their tobacco-related research project.
The proposal should clearly explain the research question, hypothesis, and the expected contributions of the study to the field.
- Budget and Funding Justification:
Applicants should provide a detailed budget for their research, along with a clear justification for the requested funding.
- Letters of Recommendation:
– Submission of strong letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic and research capabilities. The recommender should have had a direct professional or academic relationship with the applicant. This could include being the applicant’s teacher, supervisor, mentor, or advisor.
The letter should include specific examples of the applicant’s accomplishments, skills, and qualities.
Fellowship Details:
Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Fellowship Stipend: BDT 60,000 – 90,000 Taka
Deadline for Application: All fellowship proposals must be submitted no later than 9 January 2025, by 11.59 PM.
Selection Process:
Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Successful candidates will be informed via email.
Contact Information:
For any inquiries or to submit your application, please contact:
All proposals, Resume, Letter of Recommendation and Cover Letter should be sent to the following email address to berdu.ttp@gmail.com
Please note that you are welcome to apply for any of the available titles, but if selected, you will be considered for only one title. Each proposal will be carefully scrutinised and selected based on specific criteria.
To get more details information regarding tobacco taxation, please visit the website- http://bnttp.net, Follow Us at https://www.facebook.com/bnttp2020.
Fellowship-1
Fellowship Title: Bridging the Gap: Understanding Discrepancies Between Collected Tax and VAT from Tobacco Products
Introduction:
The sale of tobacco products is a significant revenue source for the government through both direct taxes and Value Added Tax (VAT). However, there often exists a gap between the taxes and VAT collected and the actual potential revenue. This fellowship will analyze and quantify these discrepancies, providing insights into potential areas for policy refinement and revenue enhancement. The aim is to provide evidence-based recommendations for better tax and VAT collection strategies, ultimately contributing to the economic growth and health objectives of Bangladesh.
Research Objective:
Investigate the existing tax and VAT collection systems for tobacco products in Bangladesh.
Analyse the discrepancies between the taxes and VAT collected and the potential revenue.
Identify the reasons behind the discrepancies, including tax evasion, avoidance, and loopholes in the system.
Provide evidence-based recommendations for policy refinement and revenue enhancement.
Methodology:
Conduct a comprehensive review of the current tax and VAT collection mechanisms for tobacco products.
Collect and analyze data from relevant government agencies, tobacco companies, and other stakeholders.
Utilize statistical analysis and econometric modelling to quantify the discrepancies.
Conduct interviews and surveys with key stakeholders to understand the reasons behind the discrepancies.
Develop a set of evidence-based recommendations to bridge the gap between collected tax and VAT and potential revenue.
Fellowship-2
Fellowship Title: Beyond Smoke: Investigating the Market Size of E-Cigarette/Vape & Oral Nicotine Products (ONP)
Introduction:
This fellowship aims to explore the market dynamics and size of e-cigarettes/vapes and Oral Nicotine Products (ONP), shedding light on emerging trends and potential regulatory considerations in this evolving industry. As the popularity of alternative nicotine products rises, understanding the market landscape is crucial for policymakers, public health professionals, and industry stakeholders to develop informed regulations and interventions.
Research Objective:
Determine the market size and growth trajectory of e-cigarettes/vapes and Oral Nicotine Products (ONP) in Bangladesh.
Identify key market players, distribution channels, and consumer demographics.
Analyze consumer perceptions, preferences, and usage patterns of e-cigarettes/vapes and ONP.
Explore the impact of marketing strategies, pricing, and product innovation on market penetration and adoption.
Methodology:
Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature, market reports, and industry data on e-cigarettes/vapes and ONP.
Utilize quantitative research methods to estimate the market size and growth rate of the e-cigarette/vape and ONP market.
Employ qualitative research techniques such as interviews and focus groups to gather insights into consumer behaviors and attitudes towards alternative nicotine products.
Analyze regulatory frameworks and policies governing the sale, marketing, and use of e-cigarettes/vapes and ONP in Bangladesh.
Compare market dynamics and regulatory approaches with other countries to identify best practices and potential areas for improvement.
Fellowship-3
Fellowship Title: A Comparative Study on ‘Information Disclosed by Tobacco Industry on Cigarette Packets in Bangladesh and Neighboring Countries’
Introduction:
Cigarette packaging serves as a crucial communication tool for tobacco companies, often containing essential details such as the date of production, Maximum Retail Price (MRP), and other information that may be disclosed digitally. The degree and nature of information disclosed vary across countries, impacting public awareness, graphical health warning and regulatory enforcement. This comparative study aims to examine and analyze the extent of information disclosure on cigarette packets in Bangladesh and compare it with neighboring countries, including India, Nepal, Pakistan, Myanmar, Indonesia, Srilanka and the Philippines.
Research Objective:
The objective of this study is to compare the types and quality of information disclosed by tobacco companies on cigarette packets in Bangladesh and selected neighboring countries. Specifically, the research will:
Identify and catalog the details presented on cigarette packets, such as production dates, MRP, and digital disclosures.
Assess compliance with local and international tobacco control regulations related to packaging and labeling.
Draw comparisons to highlight differences and similarities in information disclosure practices across countries.
Methodology:
Cigarette packets from common brands sold in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Myanmar, Indonesia, and the Philippines will be collected for analysis.
The information on each packet will be cataloged and examined, focusing on elements such as date of production, MRP, and any additional disclosures. Digital content, if used, will also be evaluated.
A cross-country comparison will be conducted to highlight discrepancies and similarities, taking into account national regulations.
The findings will be compiled into a comprehensive report, detailing the variations in information disclosure and the potential implications for regulatory and consumer awareness.
Fellowship-4
Fellowship Title: Research on Estimating the Tobacco Control Cost and Its Impact in Bangladesh
Introduction:
Tobacco control efforts in Bangladesh involve various costs, including public awareness campaigns, evidence-generation, enforcement of tobacco laws, sensitization and advocacy meetings with various ministries and administration of regulatory frameworks. Understanding these costs and their economic impact is critical for policymakers to allocate resources efficiently and strengthen tobacco control measures. This study aims to provide a comprehensive estimate of the total cost of tobacco control in Bangladesh and analyze its broader economic impact.
Research Objective:
The main objective of this research is to estimate the comprehensive cost associated with tobacco control efforts in Bangladesh and evaluate their impact on public health, economic productivity, and government expenditure. Specific goals include:
Quantifying the direct and indirect costs of implementing tobacco control measures.
Assessing the economic benefits of reduced tobacco consumption on healthcare savings and productivity.
Analyzing the overall impact of tobacco control on Bangladesh’s economy and public welfare.
Methodology:
Data Collection: Data will be gathered from governmental and non-governmental financial reports, and tobacco control program documentation. Surveys and KII may also be conducted with relevant stakeholders to gather firsthand insights.
The study will calculate the direct costs (e.g., enforcement and public health campaigns) and indirect costs (e.g., administrative and societal expenses) related to tobacco control.
An economic model might be used to assess the impact of tobacco control measures on public health outcomes and economic productivity. This analysis will consider healthcare cost savings and increased productivity resulting from reduced tobacco use.
Scope of Work:
The fellowships will involve the following key activities:
Literature Review: Conduct an extensive review of existing literature and research on tax evasion in the cigarette and tobacco industries, both globally and within the context of Bangladesh.
Data Collection: Gather relevant data, including financial reports, tax records, KII and industry publications, to understand the patterns and mechanisms of tax evasion.
Field Research: Conduct field research to gather primary data, including interviews with experts, government officials, and other relevant stakeholders.
Data Analysis: Analyze the collected data to identify the strategies and methods employed by cigarette and tobacco industries to evade taxes.
Policy Recommendations: Develop comprehensive policy recommendations based on the findings to mitigate tax evasion in the cigarette and tobacco industries.