The Bangladesh Mobile Phone Business Association (BMBA) has demanded withdrawal of additional 15 per cent customs duty on smartphones proposed in the new budget.
BMBA President Md Nizam Uddin Jitu said the proposed duty will be an obstacle towards achieving the goal of 'Digital Bangladesh' and encourage illegal imports, reports UNB.
"We fear that about Tk 60 billion will be laundered if the new customs duty is enforced. And the government will lose almost Tk 20 billion in revenue every year," he told the media at the Jatiya Press Club.
The BMBA said an increased duty will discourage people from getting smartphones.
In 2018-19 financial year, tax on smartphone was 31.75 per cent but it has been raised to 57.31 per cent in the proposed budget. The BMBA said the amount will be higher than any other country.
The businessmen urged the government to reconsider its decision.
