'Govt's tobacco policy contradictory'
Bangladesh Tamak Birodhi Jote, an alliance of anti-tobacco organisations, yesterday termed the government's tobacco policy "contradictory" and a "double standard".
They made the comment at a news conference at Jatiya Press Club where Adv Syed Mahbabul Alam, secretary of the platform, presented the keynote paper.
Syed Mahbabul said, "The government has enacted Tobacco Control Act to protect public health, but did not increase duty on bidi in the budget. It is contradictory."
"The government's steps to raise anti-tobacco awareness and reluctance to increase duty on tobacco products shows its double standard policy", said Rafiqul Islam Milon.
The Jote leaders demanded alternative jobs for bidi workers so the bidi factory owners cannot oppose any increase of duty on bidi in the next fiscal year.
They also demanded increase of supplementary duty up to 15-20 percent over cigarette and a duty of Tk 2 over per packet of bidi.
Paribesh Bachao Andolon (Poba) chairman Abu Naser Khan, Pratyasha general secretary Helal Ahmed, and Ubinig executive director Farida Akhter, among others, also spoke.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments