Speaker Hamid for high tax on costly cigarettes
Speaker Abdul Hamid yesterday in parliament suggested that the government impose high tax on cigarettes especially on costly ones.
Supporting the speaker's proposal, Post and Telecommunication Minister Raziuddin Ahmed Razu proposed the finance minister to increase tax on imported cigarettes. Many lawmakers supported both proposals by thumping their desks during question hour session.
The speaker said tax on low priced cigarettes is more than on costly ones smoked by wealthy people. He suggested the finance minister not to impose more tax on low-priced cigarettes consumed by low-income people.
“I earnestly request the finance minister to impose huge tax on high-priced cigarettes like Benson & Hedges and 555 which are smoked by rich people like me or by more rich people,” Hamid said, amid clapping by several lawmakers.
In reply, AMA Muhith, replying lawmakers' queries at that time, said the government increases tax on costly cigarettes and alcohol in the national budget every year.
He also said half of the country's total smokers buy low-priced cigarettes and its consumption is increasing fast causing serious threats to their health.
“I therefore think decreasing tax on low priced cigarettes should not be a wise decision,” Muhith said.
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