Bidi workers demand wage hike

Bidi workers have demanded an increase in their wages and withdrawal of tax on the bidi industry, says a press release.

They put forth the demand while speaking at a rally organised by Bangladesh Bidi Sramik Federation in front of the Jatiya Press Club in the capital on Thursday, marking the May Day.

Leaders of the organisation said millions of workers, a good many among them helpless, disadvantaged, extremely poor and physically handicapped and widows, eke out a living by working in the bidi sector.

They also urged the authorities concerned to take necessary steps to punish the unauthorised bidi manufacturers and halt counterfeit bidi production to help the sector survive.

President of Bangladesh Bidi Sramik Federation Amin Uddin, Vice Presidents Nazim Uddin and Anower Hossain, and organising secretary Shamim Islam, among others, spoke at the event.