Rangamati, Jan 16 (V7N): Restaurant owners in Rangamati have formed a human chain demanding the withdrawal of the recently increased VAT and supplementary duty, warning that the hike will severely impact tourism in the region.

The hour-long protest, organized by the Rangamati Restaurant Owners' Cooperative Association, took place in front of the Rangamati Press Club on Thursday morning.

Leading the human chain were Shamim Khan, President of the Association; Senior Vice President Alhaj Akhter Hossain Chowdhury; former General Secretary M. Nekbar Ali; Madhuban Rangamati owner SM Jahan Liton; Wellfood Rangamati owner Md. Manik, and other local leaders. The program was conducted by General Secretary Masud Rana.

Following the demonstration, a memorandum outlining their demands was submitted to the Chief Advisor through Rangamati Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md. Ruhul Amin.

During the protest, restaurant owners expressed concern over the impact of the VAT hike on the local tourism industry. They highlighted that Rangamati, home to around 150 restaurants, heavily relies on tourist activity, which will suffer due to increased dining costs.

Speakers criticized the government's decision to raise VAT from 5% to 15%, which, with additional supplementary taxes, now stands at 25%. They argued that instead of reducing VAT to 3% as previously requested, the increase has imposed an unbearable burden on restaurant businesses.

"This decision is like placing a sword on the necks of restaurant owners," said one protester. They warned that if the VAT hike is not revoked, they would be forced to launch stricter agitation programs in Rangamati and across the country in line with central directives.

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