Staff Reporter Dhaka : Kushtia District Bidi Owners Somiti and Workers Union formed a human chain and encirclement programme in front of the district’s Customs, Excise, and VAT office to express their six-point demand, including the prohibition of counterfeit bidi on Wednesday.

The demands include banning fake bidi and brand rolls, taking action against illegal bidi factories that evade duty, rescinding the 10% advance tax on bidi, collecting taxes from the owners with online licence, issuing trade licenses to the marginal and low-income traders and shopkeepers to sell tobacco products and allowing workers to work for six days a week.

Speakers at the human chain stated that the significance of the bidi industry to the nation’s economy is enormous. However, some unscrupulous bidi businessmen have dodged billions of dollars by selling counterfeit bidi, which is ruining the bidi business.

They also urged the customs authorities to take necessary steps to halt unlawful bidi manufacturers and counterfeit bidi. They should be arrested and punished.

Bangladesh Bidi Workers Federation President MK Bangali, Vice President Nazim Uddin, General Secretary Abdur Rahman, and Joint Secretary Harik Hossain were present in the programme among others.