Bidi workers of Tangail district have urged the government to raise the tax on all types of tobacco products in the upcoming budget for FY2023-24.
They made the call at a human chain programme in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Tuesday.
The workers called on stakeholders to prioritise public health and uphold the prime minister's commitment to making Bangladesh tobacco-free before 2040.
They also demanded alternative employment opportunities for workers to reduce the health hazards associated with tobacco production.
According to the World Health Organization research on tobacco use in Bangladesh, if the government implements tax reforms for tobacco products in the FY24 budget, cigarette consumption will decrease from 15.1 per cent to 13.92 per cent. This would encourage approximately 14 lakh adults to quit smoking and discourage about 10 lakh youths from initiating smoking. In the long run, 4,88,000 adults and 4,92,000 youths will be saved from premature death.
The introduction of specific taxes on tobacco products, which is common in most countries around the world, is recommended by the World Health Organization to strengthen the effectiveness of the cigarette taxation framework.
At the human chain programme, Tangail Bidi Workers’ Union President Lutfar Rahman said, "As tobacco product producers, we are constantly facing various health problems. We are forced to take up this profession to make a living. However, we demand higher taxes on tobacco products and increased prices, as well as alternative employment opportunities.”
Treasurer of Tangail Bidi Workers’ Union Joymoni Begum suggested specific and effective taxes be imposed, given that the prices of low-tier cigarettes and bidis remain affordable despite repeated tax hikes.
Jasim Uddin, general secretary of the Union, called for a minimum price of Tk 50 per packet of bidis to discourage low-income people from consuming bidis.
Besides, the workers spoke about various workplace issues, such as stopping child labour in bidi factories, increasing allocation to eliminate health risks, taking initiatives to prevent non-communicable diseases, and increasing wages.
After the programme, a delegation of bidi workers submitted a memorandum to the chairman of the National Board of Revenue.
