Cultural platform Bangladesh Sangeet Sangathan Samonnay Parishad organized a protest rally at Dhaka's Central Shaheed Minar on Friday opposing the 10% tax on artists' honorariums.
As the rally began, the organization extended wishes to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her 76th birthday.
Notable participants included Sammilita Sangskritik Jote President Golam Kuddus, renowned poet and journalist Nasir Ahmed, singer Farida Parveen, music composer and producer Sheikh Sadi Khan and actor Jayanta Chattopadhyay.
Poet Nasir Ahmed commented that artists have long been dishonoured under the guise of honour.
Folk singer Farida Parveen expressed optimism that the prime minister might be unaware of the tax and would act if informed.
Golam Kuddus stressed that honorariums are not salaries and should not be taxed.
He reminded attendees that former finance minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith had waived the tax on artist honorariums and called for unity among artists to approach the prime minister.
In a message, prominent music composer and producer Sheikh Sadi Khan highlighted the government's kindness towards artists and requested the removal of the source tax deduction.
The Bangladesh Sangeet Sangathan Samonnay Parishad announced further protests across all divisions and district towns, planning to submit memorandums to the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Culture Affairs.
