The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Research organisation Unnayan Samannay has urged the government to increase tax on cigarette and other tobacco items up to 20 per cent considering the expenditure on health sector. The proposal came at a meeting between the Unnayan Samannay officials and the NBR Chairman at latter's office yesterday.

NBR Chairman Mohammad Abdul Mazid also agreed with Unnayan Samannay proposal and said budget on health sector is increasing due to the people's affection on tobacco, which is putting negative effect on country's economy.

Unnayan Samannay Chairman Dr Atiur Rahman said nearly 16 to 20 per cent of the income of poor people goes to health sector due to their affection to tobacco. Increasing of tax on tobacco will raise price of cigarette and other tobacco items resulting them to leave smoking.

He said trend of smoking has reduced significantly in the last five years following increasing of tax on tobacco. In 2005 people have consumed 233 million cigarettes each day, which had reduced to 209 million in 2005 and will be reduced to 192 million in 2010.

"Government revenue from tobacco sector increased Tk 19, 028 million in 2005 from Tk 16,897 million in 2000. Revenue earnings from this sector is expected to reach at 21,009 million in 2010," Atiur informed newsmen.

He said Unnayan Samannay will carry out different programmes to raise awareness among people to shun smoking.

Mohammad Abdul Mazid said each year the government has to increase budget for health sector due to the effect of tobacco on people's health. It will take many years if even try to reduce 1 per cent tobacco consumption.

"We do not want to pressurise people to increase revenue earnings. But we have to raise awareness so that people can lead sound life through leaving tobacco," he said.