Skyrocketing commodity prices hit hotel industry
22 March 2023
Staff Reporter :
The entrepreneurs of the country's hotel and restaurant sector claimed that the unusual price hike of essential commodities has plunged the industry into a deep crisis as people's purchasing power has been declining.
Expressing concern over the sporadic interference and fines imposed on them, they sought cooperation and coordination among the government agencies in order to reduce financial losses.
The leaders of the Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association (BROA) came up with comments while speaking at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) in the capital on Tuesday.
Imran Hasan, Secretary General of the BROA, placed it's nine-point demand on the occasion with a view to flourishing the sector across the country.
Claiming restaurant owners are currently facing various problems including insufficient gas supply, sporadic interferences by different government agencies, he said, "Under this situation, the government should pay special attention to the industry".
He also demanded for including representatives of restaurant owners in mobile courts conducted by the government agencies as the drives are beset by unruly practices.
"Many restaurants have closed shutters due to the Covid-19 pandemic and those who survived are fuming. In recent times high inflation has reduced the purchasing power of common people. Under this situation, the industry is facing a deep crisis," he said.
Urging the consumers to scrutinize the comments on the restaurant sector, Imran said, "Media should play a responsible role in overcoming the crisis. A committee consisting of restaurant management and experts should be formed to look into the matter. A case will be filed under the ICT Act if the negative publicity about the restaurant is found to be false".
He also demanded for reducing VAT to 3 per cent from the existing 5 per cent and tax rate to 0.5 per cent in the upcoming budget.
Imran said that the gas crisis has also been a concern for the restaurant sector as they are getting insufficient gas supply compared to their needs.
The association has called for an increase in gas supply to the restaurant sector and for the Titas Gas Authority to remove all hurdles for line transfer and name change.
The association urged the restaurant owners to maintain the sanctity of the holy month and provide hygienic or safe food during the time.
