Akij Bidi factory closure sparks protest in Jessore

Several hundred workers of Akij Bidi Factory at Nabarun in Jhikargacha upazila demonstrated on Wednesday in protest against the closure of the factory for an indefinite period.

Officer-in-charge of Jhikargacha police station Ashraf Hossain said the authorities closed the factory around 9am protesting 60 percent tax hike on tobacco products in the proposed budget for fiscal 2013-14, reports UNB.

Finding the factory closed before attending work, the workers started demonstration in front of it around 9:30am and continued it till noon.

Later, they submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner of the district demanding lifting of the proposed excess tax on tobacco products and immediate reopening the factory.

The workers also threatened to go for a tougher movement unless their demands are met.