Sirajganj, Jan 16 (V7N) - Restaurant owners in Sirajganj formed a human chain demanding the immediate withdrawal of the recently imposed 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) and 10% Supplementary Duty (SD), claiming the increases have pushed the restaurant industry into a severe crisis.

The protest was organized by the Sirajganj District Branch of the Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association in front of the Sirajganj Press Club on Thursday at 11 a.m.

Nazural Islam, President of the association's Sirajganj branch, presided over the event, while Secretary Saiful Islam moderated. Vice Presidents Ferdous Alam, Bakul Khan, Abdul Hannan, and Joint General Secretary Ratan Gupta also addressed the gathering.

During the demonstration, speakers expressed their frustration over the government's tax policies. “We want to contribute to the country’s economy, but this excessive VAT is suffocating our businesses,” said one speaker. “We requested a reduction from 5% to 3%, but instead, it was raised to 15%. We will pay VAT, but not at the cost of our survival.”

They warned that if their demands are not met, they will be compelled to initiate tougher movements.

Restaurant owners, employees, and concerned citizens from all walks of life in Sirajganj took part in the human chain, voicing solidarity against what they described as "oppressive" tax burdens.

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