Withdraw Vat on internet for the sake of education

Forty-four eminent citizens of the country yesterday demanded withdrawal of additional Value Added Tax (VAT) on internet package prices to avoid negative impact on online education during the coronavirus crisis.

They in a joint statement said that they were concerned by the government's imposition of a double VAT -- at both wholesale and retail price of bandwidth.

"During the corona virus crisis education is now gradually becoming dependent on information and communication technology. We are concerned that imposing double layer of VAT on internet can have negative impact on education," said the statement.

According to internet service providers, the students who used to pay TK 1,000 as internet bill they will have to pay TK 1,300-Tk1400 for the same package. The statement mentions that this "goes against fulfilling the agenda of Digital Bangladesh."

If the situation continues, education and concerned sectors will fall under huge risk and that will delay the process of achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

"There is now a risk that past achievements and future prospects in the education sector will be hindered greatly. There are indications of growing inequality between the privileged and underprivileged sections. This is anti constitutional and especially undesirable during Mujib Borsho," said the statement.

Among others Dhaka School of Economics founder Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, Chief Adviser of East West University Prof Mohammed Farashuddin, rights activist Sultana Kamal, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology Prof and writer Muhammed Zafar Iqbal, Bangladesh Shishu Academy Chairman Selina Hossain, Power and Participation Research Centre Executive Chairman Hossain Zillur Rahman, Bangladesh Federation of Women Entrepreneurs President Rokia Afzal Rahman, Brac Bangladesh Executive Director Asif Saleh, former University Grants Commission Chairman Nazrul Islam, educationists Syed Manzoorul Islam, Mohammad Kaykobad, MM Akash, Campaign for Popular Education Executive Director Rasheda K Choudhury, Manusher Jonno Foundation Executive Director Shaheen Anam, Action Aid country director Farah Kabir, cultural activists Ramendu Majumdar, Mamunur Rashid and Ilias Kanchon issued the statement.

All educational institutions have remained closed since March 17. The closure was extended till August 6.

As a result, education of about four crore students in the country, from primary to university level, has been affected. Currently, many institutions are offering online classes through different platforms.

Yet, online education remains inaccessible to many, mainly in rural areas.

Besides the cost, the speed of mobile internet connection, while moderate in urban areas, is quite poor in most rural locations, where broadband providers are almost absent.