Terming the proposed 110 percent tax on Bidi as an injustice, the Bangladesh Bidi Shilpa Malik Samity (BBSMS) has urged government to reconsider the proposal for the sake of 2 million workers in the industry.
The BBSMS made the demand for withdrawal of the proposed tax hike on Bidi at a press conference held at National Press Club on Tuesday.
Leaders of the organisation claimed that the proposed tax would destroy the industry and cause 20 million workers to be unemployed.
Sheikh Mohammad Mohiuddin, general secretary of BBSMS, said: “The Finance Minister’s proposal will severely affect the lives of 20 million people who are involved in this industry. It will also make nearly 1.8 million women unemployed.”
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In addition, BBSMS President Bijoy Krishna Dey said: “Bangladesh has earned fame by exporting bidi to 10-15 countries. But the proposed tax hike is a hidden initiative to hand this industry over to a British company on a platter.”
Public health specialist Mohammad Abdus Sabur in his speech said: “Bidi is much safer than cigarettes, as there is less nicotine in bidi.”
BBSMS Rangpur unit President Mojibur Rahman, General Secretary Sadakat Hussain Jhantu and Bogra unit Convener Anowar Hussain Rana were present at the press conference, among others.
Thursday, June 04, 2026
