Bidi workers plan human chain for tobacco products tax, price hike

Staff Reporter :
In a bid to advocate for higher taxes on tobacco products and an increase in their prices, bidi workers are gearing up to organise a human chainin front of the National Press Club in the capital today morning, expected to draw attention to the need for stringent measures to curb tobacco usage.

The initiative, led by bidi workers’ unions and supported by various organizations, aims to address the pressing issue of tobacco consumption and its adverse effects on public health.

The Development Organisation of the Rural Poor (DORP) is playing a pivotal role in orchestrating this campaign.

With the looming threat of the 2024-25 budget potentially impacting tobacco taxes and prices, DORP, alongside bidi workers, is taking proactive steps to ensure that public health remains a priority.

This initiative comes in response to the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s pledge to eliminate the use of tobacco products from the country by 2040 to safeguard public health.

As a step towards the realisation of this commitment and to contribute to public health protection, DORP advocates for higher taxes and prices on bidis, with the participation of bidi workers from Tangail district.