The government has removed import duties and cut taxes on musical instruments, digital media and film-related equipment in a move aimed at supporting Bangladesh’s creative economy and lowering production costs.
The 5% regulatory duty on the import of guitars, pianos, violins and other musical instruments, along with their parts, has been withdrawn. The move is expected to reduce prices of instruments, including guitars and pianos, and is likely to benefit musicians and buyers.
At the same time, value-added tax (VAT) of 15% on services provided by content creators and freelancers working on social media has been withdrawn. Officials said the measure is intended to ease pressure on digital earnings and encourage greater participation in online content creation and digital entrepreneurship.
To support film and media production, the duty on high-tech cinematographic cameras, projectors and related spare parts has been reduced from 15% to 5%. Industry stakeholders say the move could lower production costs and help develop internationally competitive filmmaking capacity.
The measures are being seen as part of a broader shift towards strengthening the creative industries, with potential to expand opportunities in music, film and digital media.
Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury unveiled the proposed national budget for fiscal year 2026–27 in parliament on Thursday. The budget, the first under the current government, totals Tk938,000 crore.