Dhaka, Jan. 26 -- The government's decision to impose a 15 per cent VAT on plastic and rubber flip-flops and other footwear priced below Tk 150 has sparked protests from small and medium plastic footwear manufacturers as well as consumers from lower-income groups.

Previously, these products were exempt from VAT, making them affordable for economically disadvantaged groups.

At a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Saturday, the Bangladesh Paduka Prostutkarak Samity (footwear manufacturers association) demanded the reinstatement of the VAT exemption on all footwear priced below Tk 150.

Secretary of the Samity Abdul Quddus Rana stated that approximately 500 small-scale companies manufacture footwear priced below Tk 150. Local...