No VAT or tax if robbery goes on

They will also go for strike and form human chain if the criminals involved in robbery are not arrested in the next forty-eight hours.

Bangladesh Jewellery Samity (BJS) at a press conference yesterday spelt out their firm stance against a backdrop when robbery incidents in the jewellery shops have become a regular phenomenon.

BJS leaders also demanded formation of special teams consisting of police, CID, DB and Rab members to combat the gang involved in robbery, provision for guard in the jewellery markets seven days a week from 8:00am to 9:00pm and amending the existing law.

Expressing grievances, they said at least 23 major robbery incidences took place in the jewellery shops across the country from December 2001 to March 2003.

If the trend continues, the jewellery industry will cease to exist in the country and 28 lakh people engaged in the sector will face dire consequences, they said.

BJS General Secretary MA Hannan Azad read out a written statement at press conference with its President M A Wadud Khan in the chair.