Human chain, memo submitted protesting abnormal hike of holding tax in Betagi
Betagi (Barguna) Correspondent
A human chain and citizens’ rally were held and a memorandum was submitted to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) demanding reduction of the “unreasonable and abnormally increased” holding tax newly imposed by Betagi Municipality in the coastal upazila of Barguna.
Under the banner of “citizens of all walks of life,” the human chain was formed in front of the Upazila Parishad office at 11:00am on Monday, May 4. A memorandum was later submitted to the UNO protesting the sudden hike in holding tax.
Speaking at the programme were Md Rafiqul Amin, President of the Upazila Corruption Prevention Committee; municipal resident Abdul Hakim; Saidul Islam Montu, president of Sushasoner Jonno Nagorik, Upazila Unit; Lion Shamim Sikder, President of Betagi Upazila Nagorik Forum; Shahadat Hossain, general secretary of the Upazila Reporters’ Unity and lecturer; and women’s leader Laboni Akter.
Five points demands were mentioned in the memorandum which are : the newly- imposed abnormal holding tax must be scrapped immediately ; holding tax should be reassessed only after elected public representatives take office through people’s vote ; tax should be reduced to a tolerable level so citizens can afford to pay ; opinions of people from all professions must be taken before any tax hike, and hearings on objections from municipality residents must be ensured and unilateral increase of holding tax in the name of enhancing civic services is creating unjustified pressure on people and must be withdrawn immediately.
Receiving the memorandum, UNO Muh. Saddam Hossain assured the demonstrators that the demands and complaints would be taken seriously and forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner of Barguna for re-evaluation.
