DHAKA, June 8, 2024 (BSS) - Md. Rafeuzzaman, president of Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), the apex association of the tourism sector, demanded for withdrawal of 15 percent tax imposed on the tourism sector in the proposed budget for FY25.

He made this demand in a meeting with FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam after the announcement of budget on June 6, said a press release.

Md. Rafeuzzaman said, "We don't have any scope to take VAT from tourists. The government has subsidized the food and accommodation of the hotels that are used by tourists. If VAT is imposed separately on us, the tourism sector and the tour operators will suffer."

He added, "That is why we strongly demand before the government to withdraw the VAT on this sector."

Meanwhile, the TOAB is taking a more detailed programme to demand the withdrawal of VAT.