The government has proposed slashing the source tax on broadband services from the existing 10% to 5% in the national budget for the fiscal year 2025–26.
However, experts have expressed skepticism about its direct impact on end-users. While the tax cut may help service providers manage operational costs more efficiently, many analysts believe it is unlikely to translate into lower broadband prices for consumers.
According to the latest data from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), the country currently has around 1.4 crore broadband users, served by nearly 3,000 internet service providers nationwide.
Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed presented the proposed budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, amounting to Tk7,89,999 crore, in a televised speech on Monday.