Dhaka: The government has announced significant tax exemptions aimed at easing the financial burden on citizens, specifically exempting the value-added tax (VAT) on metro rail tickets and reducing the tax on date imports, just ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. The decisions were made during the weekly Council of Advisers meeting held at the Chief Adviser’s Office, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam disclosed this information during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy. Alam highlighted that the exemption of VAT on metro rail fare is expected to result in a revenue loss of approximately Taka 40 crore annually for the government. However, the decision was taken considering the vital role the metro rail plays in the daily transportation of city dwellers.
In addition to the VAT exemption, the government has reduced the tax incidence on dates from 52 percent to 40 percent. This reduction aims to make dates more affordable for consumers during Ramadan. Alam further explained that the customs duty on date imports has been decreased from 25 percent to 15 percent, providing further relief to consumers during the holy month.