SYLHET: Finance minister AMA Muhith on Friday categorically said that the VAT (value added tax) imposed on the students of private universities will not be reduced.

He further said he did not support the ongoing movement of private universities’ students demanding reduction of VAT.

The minister was addressing a program, organized by Sylhet social welfare office at Bagbari Sisu Sadan, to mark the 40th death anniversary of Bangabandhu.

Muhith said that the students of private universities are ready to pay large amount of money as tuition fees then why are they unwilling to pay only 7.5 percent vat.

“I do not support their movement and the VAT won’t be reduced,” he categorically said.

Finance minister Muhith proposed 10 percent VAT on the students of private universities in the budget for the fiscal 2015-16 in July.

Later, he reduced the amount to 7.5 percent after the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina requested him.

Since then, the private university students have been waging movements against the newly imposed VAT.

BDST: 1708 HRS, AUG 14, 2015
SR