The proposed national budget for FY 2026-27 has introduced reductions in telecom sector taxes, though experts warn that ordinary consumers may not benefit while mobile internet prices remain high.
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury proposed lowering the tax at source for the telecommunications industry from 12 per cent to 10 per cent. The government has also suggested abolishing the Tk300 tax currently levied on each SIM card.
According to the finance minister, these measures would result in a revenue shortfall of Tk1,200 crore in the coming fiscal year. At the same time, the Finance Bill proposes a 15 per cent VAT on the supply price of every SIM and eSIM.
Despite these adjustments, the tax framework for mobile internet data remains unchanged. With the existing 20 per cent supplementary duty, the total tax burden on the telecom sector remains close to 50 per cent, among the highest globally.
Industry experts have expressed scepticism over the measures. Fahim Mashroor, CEO of Bdjobs, said that neither the SIM tax removal nor the reduction in source tax is likely to benefit general subscribers, with telecom operators positioned as the main beneficiaries.
Highlighting concerns over digital adoption, Mashroor noted that most Bangladeshis already hold multiple SIM cards. Reducing the cost of new SIMs, he argued, may not improve internet usage but could increase the number of SIMs used for cybercrime and online gambling.
He further criticised the budget for failing to address the fundamental issue: high mobile data costs. “No steps have been taken to reduce the price of internet data,” he said, adding that as long as the 20 per cent supplementary duty remains, internet prices for the public are unlikely to fall.
