Dhaka: The Council of Advisers at its weekly meeting today adopted a thanksgiving motion for the two outgoing advisers, approved the drafts of three ordinances, withdrew value-added tax (VAT) on metrorail fare, and reduced tax for dates import. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus chaired the meeting at his office in the city’s Tejgaon area.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the thanksgiving motion was moved by Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, highlighting the biographies and contributions of outgoing advisers Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud Sojib Bhuayin. Their significant roles in the 2018 anti-quota movement and the 2024 July Uprising were particularly noted. The resignations of the two advisers are set to take effect with the announcement of the election schedule, and in their honor, Chief Adviser Yunus hosted a luncheon.
During the meeting, the Council of Advisers approved the drafts of the Commercial Court Ordinance 2025, the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, and the Legal Aid Services (Second Amended) Ordinance 2025. These ordinances are expected to bring forward changes in the respective areas of law and governance.
Furthermore, the meeting saw the exemption of VAT on metro rail tickets. Despite an expected annual fiscal impact of Taka 40 crore, the government opted for this exemption to acknowledge the significant role metro rail plays in urban transportation. Additionally, to aid consumers ahead of Ramadan, the government reduced the import tax on dates from 52 percent to 40 percent, with a customs duty decrease from 25 percent to 15 percent.
The Council also discussed the state of law and order in the lead-up to the general elections and the referendum, addressing potential challenges that may arise during this crucial period.