Bangladesh’s Private University Association Demands Abolishment of VAT And Taxes
— August 13, 2024
DHAKA (AIA) The Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh (APUB) has appealed to the interim government to withdraw all forms of Value-Added Tax (VAT) and taxes imposed on non-profit private universities, citing glaring disparities between public and private higher education in the country.
In a press statement, APUB Director Belal Ahmed emphasised that private universities, despite being non-profit, are subjected to a plethora of taxes and VAT, unlike public universities that receive funding from taxpayers’ money. The statement highlighted the significant disparity between public and private universities, noting that while public universities receive government funding, private universities are burdened with a 15% tax, 5% VAT on purchases, 2-7% sales tax, and an additional 15% income tax.
APUB proposed redirecting the taxes deducted from private universities as government grants for their development, which could help remove the disparities and promote academic progress. The association stressed the importance of research for national development and the education system, pointing out that the 15% tax deduction significantly reduces funds available for research. In its statement, APUB urged all concerned parties to support their demand for the withdrawal of all VAT and taxes on non-profit private universities, ending the ongoing discrimination and promoting a more equitable higher education system.