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Dhaka, June 04, 2025 : The proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year has reduced the withholding tax on internet services from 10 percent to 5 percent. However, the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) has stated that this tax cut will not have any direct impact on general consumers’ internet expenses. AMTOB shared this statement in response to the budget on Wednesday (June 4).
In its reaction, AMTOB noted that there was an expectation of tax reductions on mobile handsets to boost smartphone usage and expand the data sector. However, the proposed budget does not indicate any such measures or initiatives. While reducing the withholding tax on internet services from 10 percent to 5 percent is a positive step, it applies only to business transactions. Therefore, it will not directly affect the internet costs of general consumers.
AMTOB welcomed the decision to lower the minimum corporate tax in the mobile sector from 2 percent to 1.5 percent. The organization also expressed gratitude to the authorities for resolving longstanding issues related to return submission certificates for the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and other non-revenue entities. AMTOB is optimistic about the swift resolution of similar unresolved issues with other government agencies.
However, AMTOB expressed concern over the budget’s decision to impose a 10 percent supplementary duty on OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms, stating that it could impact the accessibility and affordability of digital content, potentially hindering the development of a knowledge-based society. AMTOB also highlighted that it had recommended several key measures, including reducing corporate tax rates (for both listed and non-listed operators), abolishing SIM tax and SIM replacement tax, and withdrawing the 1 percent surcharge.
AI/MR
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