Students from different private universities have given an ultimatum to the government to scrap the recently imposed value added tax (VAT) of 7.5% on private education by July 31.
They threatened to go on a tougher movement if their demand is not met by the designated deadline.
Under the banner “No VAT on education,” the students made the announcement at a protest programme in front of the National Press Club in the city yesterday.
Around 200 students from different private universities including the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, Atish Dipankar University, University of Asia Pacific, Northern International University, Brac University and Bangladesh University of Business and Technology participated in the protest.
In the budget of the FY2015-16, the government finalised a 7.5% VAT on private universities, medical and engineering colleges for the first time in the history of private tertiary education in the country.
Finance Minister AMA Muhith had earlier proposed a 10% VAT on such institutions.
Since the announcement, educationists and guardians have strongly opposed the move, saying students would have to bear the additional cost when education was a fundamental right of every citizen according to the constitution.
Later, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina requested to cut down the levy to 7.5%.
“It is very unfortunate that the government has imposed VAT on education, because parents have to bear the cost. The government is supposed to be solely responsible for ensuring education for all,” said movement coordinator Farhan Habib.
“The VAT is turning education into a business rather than a fundamental right.”
Zahid Gagan, an organiser from the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, told the Dhaka Tribune that they would continue the protest until their demand was met.
The students also announced programmes for wearing black badges in all private universities today and organising a human chain wearing black masks in front of their institutions tomorrow. They will also hold a cartoon exhibition and road painting at Road 7/A in Dhanmondi on Thursday.
The organisers also said letters would be submitted to the finance minister, while students will change their Facebook profile pictures and cover photos to attract the government’s attention regarding the matter.
Another platform called Beshorkari Bishwabiddaloy Shikkha Adhikar Andolon is set to organise a protest rally in front of East West University at Aftabnagar in Rampura today.
Earlier in 2010, the government imposed a 4.5% VAT on private universities but had to scrap the decision following massive protests by students in the streets.
