Bidi workers and leaders have placed a six-point charter of demands, including withdrawal of extra tax and advanced income tax on bidi “to save the sector”.
Bangladesh Bidi Sramik Federation President MK Bangali placed the demands on behalf of the leaders and workers at a press briefing at the National Press Club in the capital on Tuesday.
He claimed that hundreds of thousands of bid workers, including widows, the paralyzed and illiterate people, will lose their jobs if the present tax and advanced income tax remain in force.
MK Banglai said the tax hike will destroy bidi but will benefit cigarette companies.
He urged the authorities concerned to ensure the opportunity of six days’ working every week.
“The government should withdraw the extra tax and advanced income tax on bidi to help the sector survive and,” he said.
Bangladesh Bidi Sramik Federation Executive President Amin Uddin, General Secretary Abdur Rahman, Central Joint Secretary Herik Hossain, Organising Secretary Abdul Gafur, Women Affiars Seretary Maya Begum, and Publicity Secretary Sirazul Islam, among other, were present at the programme.
