Salt producers protest govt's nod to imports, demand fair prices for local produce
At a human chain and protest rally, the protesters demanded fair prices for locally produced salt
Salt producers in Cox's Bazar's Maheshkhali staged a protest today (13 October) against the government's approval to import salt despite sufficient local production.
At a human chain and protest rally, the protesters demanded fair prices for locally produced salt.
The event was organised by the Salt Producers and Traders Struggle Council at the Maheshkhali Upazila centre chaired by Shahidullah and conducted by Maulana Ataur Rahman around 11am.
Speakers said importing salt threatens the local industry, even though production exceeds national demand. They said farmers work hard but are deprived of fair prices due to policy failures and foreign imports.
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They criticised officials of the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) for mismanagement and middlemen influence, which cause losses to salt farmers.
Speakers warned that without reforms, the industry could collapse. Millions of farmers in Maheshkhali, Kutubdia, Chakaria, and other coastal areas depend on salt farming for their livelihoods.
The protesters demanded an immediate halt to salt imports, government supervision to ensure fair prices, and the provision of easy loans, incentives, and preservation schemes for farmers.
A memorandum was submitted to the chief adviser through the Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) at the end of the programme.
