Today, 21 November 2022, in Dhaka (Bangladesh), a human chain and rally was held in front of the National Press Club to demand justice in taxation in the extractive industries by the initiative of Bangladesh Krishok Federation.
Presided over by Bangladesh Krishok Federation President, Comrade Badrul Alam, the rally was addressed by Bangladesh Workers Party Dhaka City President Abul Hossain, Bangladesh Workers Federation General Secretary AAM Faiz Hossain, National Farmers Association Convener Sultan Biswas, Sonar Bangla Party General Secretary Syed Harun or Rashid, Motherland Garments Workers Federation President Saleha Islam Shantana and General Secretary Al Amin Howladar, Bangladesh Farmers Federation Vice-President Rehana Begum, Bangladesh Adivasi Samiti President Omali Kisku, Readymade Garments Workers Federation Leader Dulal Miah and Rupali Begum, among others.
Speakers in the gathering said that there is no tax justice in the various companies of other sectors in Bangladesh, as well as there is no tax justice in the domestic and foreign companies engaged in the extractive industry and mining-centric sectors. This lack of tax justice creates deprivation in public life.
The development of this industry mainly based on coal, oil and gas in Bangladesh. In the context of climate change, the justification of the fossil-based electricity generation industry is being questioned today. Yet as long as it lasts, it must be based on justice. The profits and excess profits made by corporations in this industry cannot be exempted from taxation.
Moreover, such profitable industry should not have any tax incentives or tax holidays. But traditionally these industries have been getting benefits which lead to tax inequity. It takes away the right of the people to tax.
If we consider the living conditions of coal miners in Barapukuria of Parbatipur, Dinajpur, this sector is questionable. The wages of the workers there do not meet the standards of justice. The same is true of the oil and gas fields located in the north-east and south-east regions of the country. Moreover, it is an open pit mining method which is highly criticized and deprecated in the world today.
Despite this, the people of the mining and well areas are suffering from adverse conditions. Due to various impacts including the expansion of mining, the people of the area and the indigenous people have been forced to migrate. Their livelihoods are under threat. At times workers who are injured in mining accidents are not adequately compensated.
Moreover, this industry has environmental and environmental responsibility. This industry contributes to the warming of the atmosphere which ultimately causes climate change. This industry should come out in time. Alternative fuel system should be adopted, which will keep our environment, neighborhood, people and planet alive.
In such a situation in the mining industry, our demands include:
1. Establish tax justice in the mining industry
2. Use tax money for public benefit
3. Give fair wages and allowances to the workers engaged in this industry
4. Compensate affected communities and workers
5. Rationalize existing energy systems to transition to renewable energy systems
6. Stop tax evasion in this industry
7. End tax incentives in mining and energy industries
8. Rehabilitate the mine affected population
9. Tax the excess profits of corporations
10. Use tax to protect the earth and people
Media contact: Palash Hossain, Press and Publicity Secretary of the Bangladesh Krishok Federation – Phone: +880 1714010713