Hundreds of bidi workers on Sunday sought Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's intervention to cut tax on bidi, a type of low priced cigarette, while forming a human chain in Tangail.
They urged the government to reduce the taxes on bidi, including recently imposed 4% tax for each packet, from the current fiscal (FY2020-21) so that they can survive with their jobs.
Under the banner name, 'Bangladesh Bidi Sramik Federation', the workers came up with the call in the demonstration held in front of Tangail Press Club.
Bangladesh Bidi Workers Federation’s Central President MK Rahman, General Secretary Abdur Rahman, Tangail unit President Md Lutfur Rahman, district General Secretary Md Jasim Uddin, and Organizing Secretary Md Aslam Mia, among others, were present, in the program.
The workers and leaders also sent a memorandum to the prime minister through the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the district.
The bidi sector leaders demanded stimulus and financial assistance for the sector workers and traders survival in the coronavirus pandemic crisis.
The speakers also requested the authorities concerned to fix the price of each packet low quality cigarette at Tk100 while each packet of bidi Tk10 only and to take initiative for banning duplicate bidi.
Following the recent tax increase on bidi, majority owners and producers closed their factories, and were leading ultra-poor life now, speakers said.