C T Online Desk: Sweet industry is a labour intensive sector that provides food items for lower and lower middle class people in the society. In case of increase in VAT, the entire industry as a whole may suffer with many ones to face collapse. Once the industry collapses, several people will be left without works leading to an impoverished society. Leaders of Sweet Manufacturers Association said these at a human chain in the city on Friday last. They also called on the authority to withdraw 15% VAT on sweets within 7 days. The leaders suggested a 5% VAT on sweets and bakery products and instead of increasing VAT for all tax payers, urged to bring those not paying tax under tax net and thus save the rich and potential food processing sector of Bangladesh. Otherwise, they would create public opinion to launch a greater movement, they added. Chaired by president Shahidullah Qureshi of the organization. The human chain event was addressed among others by Sweets Association General Secretary Md. Kafil Uddin, Bangladesh Shop Owners Association Chittagong District President Saleh Ahmed Suleman, Association Vice President Anwarul Kibria, Advisor Alhaj Nurul Alam, Finance Secretary Alauddin Al Hashem, Office Secretary M.A. Sabur, Executive Member Professor Niladra Kumar Dey, Kazi Monirul Islam Ujjal, A.I.M. Taleb, Sanjay Acharya, Mujibur Rahman, Haradhan Dutt, Zia Uddin Al Mamun, Kalimullah and Md. Abu Bakr Siddique.
