The supermarket operators usually pay a 1.5 percent VAT (value added tax) as per the government policy but a section of tax officials sometimes insist on providing 15 percent VAT treating the supermarkets as fast food shops, they alleged.

If the government recognises the supermarkets as service providers, this sector can spread across the country, said Niaz Rahim, president of BSA and managing director of chain superstore Agora, at a press conference in Dhaka.

Around 64 supermarkets started operations in the last six years serving a substantial number of customers with quality products.

BSA Secretary Md Zakir Hossain said, "We are just product sellers, not producers or manufactures. But sometimes Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute (BSTI) officials charge the supermarket operators with selling date expired low quality products," he said.

He asked BSTI to take action against those who are involved in producing such products.

Demanding quality product import facilities for supermarkets, the BSA secretary also urged the government to stop import of chemical mixed food, which are available in the local market.

M Salimullah, chairman of Best Buy Supermarket, Md SH Choudhury, general manager of Nandan Mega Shop, Kazi Jamil Islam, executive director of Meena Bazar, among others, spoke at the press conference.