The Dhaka Times Desk Supplementary duty on mobile phone call rates will be increased in the 2020-21 budget. That is why the cost of talking on mobile phones is increasing from the day the budget is passed.
A source in the National Board of Revenue (NBR) told the media that even though the country's economy has been hit hard due to the impact of the corona virus, the telecom sector is doing very well.
People have increased the use of Internet on the phone as well as talking. Right now, the government has to collect a huge amount of tax from this sector to move the country forward. That is why mobile phone call rates are being increased.
Currently 10 percent duty is levied on mobile phone call rates in the country. NBR is thinking of increasing it by 5 percent to 15 percent next month. According to NBR sources, mobile operators are one of the 3 sectors that collect the most duty-VAT from the VAT department.
In the current budget of 2019-20, mobile phone call rates, SIM card tax, and related services have been increased. That is why the mobile call rate increased last year.
The 2018-2019 budget imposed a 5 percent levy on mobile phone call rates. It was increased to 10 percent in the 2019-20 budget. It is known that in the next budget i.e. in the budget of 2020-21, the duty in this sector will be increased from 10 percent to 15 percent.
Currently, the cost of talking and sending messages on mobile phones is 15 percent VAT, 1 percent surcharge, 10 percent supplementary duty, etc. The total cost is 27.77 percent. That is why the government deducts 22 taka if you recharge your mobile phone by 100 taka. The cost will increase further in the next budget.
Things to do to prevent Corona virus
# stay at home all the time.
# Follow the rules and use mask when going out for emergency.
# three-layer surgical mask can be washed if desired.
# wash clothes after coming home from outside. Or hang it without shaking for at least four hours.
# Wash hands thoroughly (for at least 20 seconds) with soap or liquid before coming outside.
# plastic PPE or eyes, face, head must be washed thoroughly with detergent and dried after one use.
# Wear PPE made of cloth or clean as described.
# Use a head cap that completely covers the hair.
# Those who have sneeze cough should follow all the rules promulgated by the government. Also, wash hands as directed before and after handling food items, keys, switches, mice, remote controls, mobiles, watches, computer desks, TVs, etc. and after using the bathroom. Those who have dry hands use Moisture after washing their hands. Soap or hand liquid can be used. Why can this virus remain in the crackle (cracked part) of dry hands? Avoid using highly alkaline soaps or detergents.
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