Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Sunday expressed his discontent with the government’s decision to impose Value Added Tax (VAT) and supplementary duties on more than a hundred products and services, describing it as a cruel move.
“The fresh imposition of VAT will be a harsh decision by the government,” he said in a press statement.
The Jatiya Party leader urged the government to back off from such an anti-people decision as the economic situation of the country’s people is currently dire as they are struggling to meet their expenses with their income.
Besides, GM Quader said, the number of unemployed people is increasing in every household. “Many people are unable to afford necessary medical treatment due to a lack of money. Business owners are also facing difficulties.”
The Jatiya Party Chairman also said people’s lives have become increasingly challenging due to high inflation, soaring dollar rates, and excessive interest rates in the banking sector.
In such circumstances, he said, the government’s decision to raise VAT on over a hundred products and services will make life unbearable for the common people of the country.
GM Quader suggested that the government reduce unnecessary and excessive expenditures instead of increasing taxes.
The Jatiya Party Chairman also urged the government to make decisions in the best interests of the common people considering the current situation.
On Thursday night, the government increased VAT and supplementary duties on over a hundred goods and services, including mobile phone talk time, internet usage, cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, biscuits, tissue paper, imported fruits, restaurant bills, sauces, spectacles, clothes, air tickets, liquefied petroleum gas, milk, showrooms, confectionary items and electric poles.
Two ordinances—the Value Added Tax and Supplementary Duty (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 and the Excise and Salt (Amendment) Ordinance 2025—were issued in this connection.
