Published: 10:42 AM, 02 July 2026
Budget tax relief to benefit mobile operators, not the people: TIPAP
Industry leaders, entrepreneurs and technology experts on Wednesday voiced concern over the potential impact of the national budget for FY 2026–27 on Bangladesh’s telecom and technology sector, warning that the proposed fiscal measures could undermine digital growth, investment and innovation. They further said that the budget's tax benefits would go to mobile operators and a handful of companies, not the general public.
The observations came at a press conference organized by the Technology Industry Policy Advocacy Platform (TIPAP) at the BDBL Bhaban in the capital on the first day of the new fiscal year.
Participants noted that although the tax exemption for the software industry remains valid until 2027 under previous government commitments, the absence of any clear direction or reaffirmation in the new budget has created uncertainty for the sector.
They also expressed concern over the increase in import duties on smartphones, despite a reduction in import duties on laptops, arguing that the overall budget offers little relief for the country's telecom industry.
Among those present at the event were telecom expert Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, ShareTrip Co-founder and CEO Sadia Hoque, Dream71 Managing Director Rashad Kabir, and other representatives from the technology and telecom sectors.
Speaking at the event, Mahtab Uddin Ahmed said smartphone users increasingly rely on OTT platforms and messaging applications such as WhatsApp, while low-income users who still depend on feature phones continue to face disadvantages. He argued that setting a minimum call tariff primarily protects the interests of telecom operators at the expense of consumers, particularly those with limited financial means.
TIPAP Convener Fahim Mashroor said the fiscal and policy measures introduced in the budget warrant careful evaluation, as they could significantly affect Bangladesh's digital economy, investment climate, innovation ecosystem and employment generation.
The speakers stressed the need for long-term policy consistency, an investment-friendly business environment and continued development of digital infrastructure to build a technology-driven economy. They also called for greater consultation and coordination with industry stakeholders during the implementation of budgetary measures to ensure sustainable growth of the country's digital and telecommunications sectors.
