Police yesterday blocked a procession of private university students at Karwan Bazar when they were headed for the Prime Minister’s Office with a request for withdrawal of VAT on private education. Later the protesters took position in front of BSMMU at Shahbagh.
The National Board of Revenue on July 4, imposed a 7.5% VAT on the fees of private universities and medical colleges. The students threatened to discontinue their studies if the VAT decision was not revoked.
They call upon Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to withdraw the VAT in order to ensure equal rights in higher education.
Earlier in the morning, students gathered at Shahabag intersection began marching towards the PMO.
Farhan Habib, an organiser of the protest, said: “You [prime minister] are like our mother. So, withdraw VAT on education for the sake of our future.”
Jahin Faruk Amin, a student of ULAB, said: “The VAT will severely hinder the education system. Already education at private universities are expensive. Imposing a VAT would make it a lot more difficult for many students.”
Shiblee Noman, assistant commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, told the Dhaka Tribune: “The protesters were barred considering public interest. Their protest programme could have led to massive traffic jam in the surrounding areas.”
