According to sources from the Finance Ministry, the Bangladeshi government is taking steps to ensure laptops are more affordable for freelancers and students, and to support the software manufacturing industry.
Currently, importers pay a total of 31% in import tariffs and taxes, including 5% as customs duty. However, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) intends to reduce the total duty and taxes to 21% for the next fiscal year.
The NBR proposes increasing import duty to 10% while exempting 15% VAT at the import stage.
Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali is expected to unveil this plan on 6 June when the budget for fiscal year 2024-25 is revealed.
