Saturday, 18 January, 2025
Restaurant owners and workers on Thursday organized protests and human chains across various districts, calling for a reduction in the recently increased 15% VAT and 10% supplementary duty on restaurant services.
They argue that reinstating the previous 5% VAT would ease the financial strain on both businesses and customers.
Restaurant owners have also warned that they may be forced to shut down their establishments if the VAT hike is not reversed.
In Rajshahi, restaurant owners held a human chain at the Saheb Bazar Zero Point on Thursday at 11 am.
Organised by the Rajshahi District Restaurant Owners' Association, the protest was led by its president Riaz Ahmed Khan. Participants criticised the sudden VAT increase from 5 per cent to 15 per cent, calling it a misguided decision based on incorrect information provided to the government.
"The restaurant industry has been struggling since COVID-19, and this VAT hike adds to our woes amid political instability and rising prices," said Masudur Rahman Rinku, president of the Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and general secretary of the Rajshahi Restaurant Owners' Association.
The protestors presented eight-point demands, including the withdrawal of the 15 per cent VAT on shop rentals and respectful treatment of business owners by VAT collectors.
Following the protest, a memorandum was submitted to the Rajshahi deputy commissioner, addressing Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.
In Thakurgaon, a joint human chain by the Restaurant Owners' Association and the Bakery Owners' Association took place at the Chowrasta intersection at 11am.
Over 200 people, including hotel, restaurant, and bakery owners, participated.
Atul Kumar Pal, president of the Thakurgaon District Restaurant Owners' Association, and Abul Kashem, its treasurer, addressed the crowd.
They emphasised the financial strain caused by the increased VAT and supplementary duty, urging the government to roll back the hike to sustain their businesses.
As part of the nationwide movement, the Restaurant Owners' Association in Narsingdi organised a human chain in front of the Press Club at 11am.
Following the protest, a demonstration was held, and a memorandum was submitted to the Narsingdi deputy commissioner's office.
Participants from six Upazilas in Narsingdi joined the protest.
The association leaders, including President Iqbal Mahmud, Vice President Nasir Uddin Molla, and General Secretary Moloy Kumar Barman, said it would be impossible to operate restaurants under the new VAT regime.
They demanded the previous 5 per cent VAT be reinstated to reduce the pressure on customers and allow smooth business operations.
Comments
Restaurant owners and workers on Thursday organized protests and human chains across various districts, calling for a reduction in the recently increased 15% VAT and 10% supplementary duty on restaurant services.
They argue that reinstating the previous 5% VAT would ease the financial strain on both businesses and customers.
Restaurant owners have also warned that they may be forced to shut down their establishments if the VAT hike is not reversed.
In Rajshahi, restaurant owners held a human chain at the Saheb Bazar Zero Point on Thursday at 11 am.
Organised by the Rajshahi District Restaurant Owners' Association, the protest was led by its president Riaz Ahmed Khan. Participants criticised the sudden VAT increase from 5 per cent to 15 per cent, calling it a misguided decision based on incorrect information provided to the government.
"The restaurant industry has been struggling since COVID-19, and this VAT hike adds to our woes amid political instability and rising prices," said Masudur Rahman Rinku, president of the Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and general secretary of the Rajshahi Restaurant Owners' Association.
The protestors presented eight-point demands, including the withdrawal of the 15 per cent VAT on shop rentals and respectful treatment of business owners by VAT collectors.
Following the protest, a memorandum was submitted to the Rajshahi deputy commissioner, addressing Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.
In Thakurgaon, a joint human chain by the Restaurant Owners' Association and the Bakery Owners' Association took place at the Chowrasta intersection at 11am.
Over 200 people, including hotel, restaurant, and bakery owners, participated.
Atul Kumar Pal, president of the Thakurgaon District Restaurant Owners' Association, and Abul Kashem, its treasurer, addressed the crowd.
They emphasised the financial strain caused by the increased VAT and supplementary duty, urging the government to roll back the hike to sustain their businesses.
As part of the nationwide movement, the Restaurant Owners' Association in Narsingdi organised a human chain in front of the Press Club at 11am.
Following the protest, a demonstration was held, and a memorandum was submitted to the Narsingdi deputy commissioner's office.
Participants from six Upazilas in Narsingdi joined the protest.
The association leaders, including President Iqbal Mahmud, Vice President Nasir Uddin Molla, and General Secretary Moloy Kumar Barman, said it would be impossible to operate restaurants under the new VAT regime.
They demanded the previous 5 per cent VAT be reinstated to reduce the pressure on customers and allow smooth business operations.
Comments
