CourtesyThey 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 jobsHundreds 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. 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 bidi sector leaders demanded stimulus and financial assistance for the sector workers and traders survival in the coronavirus pandemic crisis. Following the recent tax increase on bidi, majority owners and producers closed their factories, and were leading ultra-poor life now, speakers said.

Source: Dhaka Tribune September 27, 2020 14:48 UTC