Bidi workers form human chain in Pabna demanding implementation of five-point demands

Leaders and workers of the Pabna District Bidi Workers Union formed a human chain in Pabna on Sunday, protesting proposals to raise bidi prices and increase supplementary duty in the national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year.

The programme was held in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office around 11:00am.

The workers opposed proposals by Atma-Pragya and Ahsania Mission to increase the price of bidi to Tk 30 from Tk 18 and raise supplementary duty on bidi products to 50 percent from 30 percent.

During the programme, the workers placed a five-point demand. They urged the government not to increase duty on bidi in the upcoming budget and called for more working days for bidi workers.

They also demanded strict enforcement of bandroll use only for licensed bidi factories, an increase in the price of low-tier 10-stick cigarette packs, and action to stop the production and sale of counterfeit bidi products.

Among those who spoke at the event were Bangladesh Bidi Workers Federation President Aminuddin GSC, General Secretary Harik Hossain, Joint Secretary Abdul Gafur, and Organising Secretary Shamim Islam.