Workers demand tax cut on bidi in Pabna

Pabna Zilla Bidi Mazdoor Union has called for a five-point demand, including the withdrawal of duties on bidis in the upcoming 2026-27 fiscal year budget.

They organised a human chain in front of the Pabna Deputy Commissioner’s office on Sunday, says a press release.

Addressing the human chain, speakers demanded withdrawal of taxes on bidis, extension of working hours for bidi workers, mandatory hoisting of banners by licensed bidi factories, increase in the price of low-quality cigarettes, and an end to the production and sale of counterfeit bidis. At the end of the programme, they submitted a memorandum with their five-point demand to the Prime Minister through the Pabna Deputy Commissioner.

Speakers said thousands of bidi workers, including the helpless, disadvantaged, extremely poor, physically challenged and widows, earn their livelihood in the sector. However, they claimed the country’s long-established labour-intensive industry is being gradually destroyed by the alleged conspiracy of foreign multinational companies.

Harik Hossain said multinational companies are transferring large sums of money abroad after earning huge profits from cigarette sales in the country.

He added that some corrupt local officials, allegedly in collaboration with foreign multinational companies, are imposing excessive taxes on bidis, making the lives of workers increasingly difficult.