Published: 01:34 AM, 30 August 2026
Tax Burden on Newspapers Should Be Reduced
Newspapers are an essential pillar of democracy. They inform citizens, create public awareness, expose corruption and provide a platform for different opinions. In Bangladesh, however, the newspaper industry is facing increasing financial pressure because of high taxes, rising production costs, declining circulation and reduced advertising revenue. Therefore, the tax burden on newspapers should be reduced to protect the industry and ensure the continued growth of independent journalism.
The major problem is the high cost of newsprint, the primary raw material of newspapers. Bangladesh depends heavily on imported newsprint, and publishers have to bear import duty, VAT, advance income tax and other charges. According to the Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (NOAB), newsprint currently faces a 3 percent import duty, 15 percent VAT, 5 percent advance income tax and other charges. These costs can push the landed cost of newsprint to around 130-132 percent of its basic price.
The burden does not end there. Newspapers also face taxes on advertising income and corporate taxation. At a time when readers are increasingly moving to online platforms, print circulation is declining and advertising revenue is shrinking. Publishers therefore find it increasingly difficult to maintain newspapers, pay employees and invest in digital transformation. In 2025, NOAB also called for reductions in import duty, VAT and corporate taxes to help the sector survive these challenges.
The government should consider newspapers not merely as profit-making businesses but also as a public service. A healthy newspaper industry contributes to democracy, transparency and accountability. Excessive taxation can increase the price of newspapers, reduce readership and ultimately weaken access to reliable information.
The government can provide relief by reducing or withdrawing VAT and import duties on newsprint, lowering advance income tax and tax deducted at source, and introducing a reasonable corporate tax rate for newspapers. Such measures would reduce production costs and help publishers invest in modern printing technology and digital journalism.
Tax reduction does not mean eliminating accountability. Newspapers should continue to pay reasonable taxes and comply with existing laws. However, the tax system should recognize the special social role of the press.
In conclusion, reducing the tax burden on newspapers is not simply a demand of publishers; it is an investment in democracy and informed citizenship. The Bangladesh government should take practical fiscal measures to support the newspaper industry so that newspapers can remain affordable, financially sustainable and independent
