Leaders of Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association have demanded that all restaurants in the country be fully opened from Sunday (May 23).
They made the demand at a press conference at the association's office in the capital's Purana Paltan on yesterday (May 22).
They threatened to go for strike in front of the press club with utensils if the demand is not met.
Imran Hassan, secretary general of the organization, said, "We have limited our business to takeaways, parcels and online deliveries from hotels and restaurants in accordance with government guidelines. But hotels and restaurants are among the most affected sectors in the pandemic."
He said the number of hotels and restaurants in all the divisional, district and upazila cities and towns of the country is around 60,000. And the number of workers and employees is about 3 million. In all, about 20 million people depend on the restaurant sector who are now in danger.
The organization further said defiantly that they are not getting any aid or facilities from any organization as the restaurant has not been declared an industry. No owner or worker received even 1 kg of rice during the coronation period, it said.
President Osman Gani said, "During the pandemic period, we are being forced to pay 15 percent VAT, which is completely unethical. In such a situation, we have no choice but to take to the streets."
According to the press conference, if it is not possible to keep the hotels open as per the health rules, then the owners' association wants to open with 50 percent seats.
Adviser of the Association Khandaker Ruhul Amin, Joint Secretary General Firoz Alam Sumon, Organizing Secretary Syed Mohammad Andalib and others were present.
