VAT Rate Increased Without Proper Consideration: Debapriya

Print Date: Sep 7, 2026 Published Date Jul 6, 2026

VAT Rate Increased Without Proper Consideration: Debapriya

Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and convener of the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, said the VAT rate has been increased without proper consideration. He said the interim government should focus more on direct taxes to increase revenue, but it is still giving priority to indirect taxes as before, which is worrying.

He made the remarks on Saturday at a symposium titled “White Paper and Beyond: Economic Management, Reforms and National Budget” held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka. He heads the committee on Bangladesh’s economic white paper. Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin and BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun attended the first session as special guests.