Industry stakeholders in the telecom sector have raised concerns over the heavy burden of taxes, fees, and charges imposed by various government bodies in Bangladesh. At a roundtable organized by the Telecom Reporters’ Network, Bangladesh (TRNB), experts highlighted that a significant portion of subscriber spending goes towards these taxes, hindering the sector’s growth.
The Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) presented a keynote paper stating that the mobile sector’s contribution to government revenue is disproportionate to its share in the economy. State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak expressed dissatisfaction with the limited smartphone penetration in the country and emphasized the need for a smart transformation in the tax regime to support the sector’s growth.
BTRC Chairman Mohiuddin Ahmed stressed the importance of involving all stakeholders in any tax structure changes and called for necessary reforms to simplify the system. Other industry experts echoed the need for intelligent taxation policies and a supportive regulatory environment to attract foreign investment and drive the sector’s development.
The event also saw discussions on building a ‘Smart Bangladesh’ through collaborative efforts between the government, regulators, and industry players. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of a balanced tax structure that supports national development without hindering user access to telecom services.
Overall, the roundtable highlighted the urgent need for reforms in the telecom tax regime to create a conducive environment for the sector’s growth and contribute more effectively to the nation’s economy.