The Bangladesh Computer Society (BCS) has expressed its gratitude to the government for removing the 15 percent tax on laptop imports in the budget proposal for 2024-25.
However, the BCS has also called for the withdrawal of the proposed additional 5 percent import duty on laptops.
BCS President Eng. Subrata Sarkar made this call highlighting various demands to support the construction of a ‘Smart Bangladesh’ during a press conference at the National Press Club in the capital on Saturday.
Eng. Sarkar expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ICT Adviser Sajib Wazed Joy, and the Finance Minister for their efforts in removing taxes, expected to decrease laptop prices by approximately 10 percent.
He stressed the significance of laptops for freelancers, outsourcing professionals, and educational purposes, highlighting that they are essential tools and not luxury items.
Sarkar raised concerns about the potential negative impact of increasing the import duty from 5 percent to 10 percent, stating that it would undermine the price reduction benefits and reduce consumer accessibility to laptops.
He put emphasis on the importance of maintaining the import duty at 5 percent to support the government's revenue goals, and the vision for a Smart Bangladesh.
The BCS president also urged the government to recognize hardware services as part of IT-based services.
Sarkar said that despite advancements in robotics and AI, hardware services remain neglected. Including hardware services in the IT sector's development framework is essential for sustained growth.
He has also requested withdrawal of the 15 percent duty on imports of MFC printers and toner cartridges, which currently results in a total duty rate of 26 percent.
He proposed setting this duty rate at 10.25 percent, arguing that MFC printers, primarily used for printing and scanning, are more cost-effective than maintaining multiple machines.
Additionally, BCS called for lifting the ban on importing computer monitors of up to 24 inches. The current restriction on monitors up to 22 inches is outdated, as no major manufacturer produces such small monitors anymore. Increasing the allowable size to 24 inches is necessary to meet current market demands.
Finally, BCS demanded the removal of the proposed 1 percent import duty on capital equipment for investors in economic zones and hi-tech parks.
Vice-President Dr. Rashed Ali Bhuiyan, Secretary General Kamruzzaman Bhuiyan, Treasurer Anisur Rahman, and Director Manjurul Hasan among others were present at the press conference.
