Complete Duty Exemption for Electric School Buses, Indication of Benefits for Public Transport Sector

PNN News Desk, Dhaka

To provide relief in student transportation, the government has decided to exempt all duties on electric buses for schools. National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan shared this information.

He made the announcement during a pre-budget meeting with various organizations from the transport sector at the NBR headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Tuesday (April 7). He stated that the government had made this decision in its first cabinet meeting.

The NBR chairman said that the government wants to offer maximum benefits to the public transport sector. Policy decisions like this aim to increase the number of new and modern vehicles on the roads.

During the meeting, various transport organizations raised their demands. The Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, and Agents Association proposed duty exemption for tankers importing fuel. The chairman responded positively, citing public interest.

Meanwhile, motorcycle assemblers and manufacturers requested permission to use CNG in motorcycles. In this context, the NBR chairman advised increasing the use of renewable fuels due to domestic gas shortages and reliance on LNG imports.

The Aviation Operators Association of Bangladesh raised the issue of increased jet fuel taxes—from 18 Taka per liter previously to 42 Taka now—requesting a return to the old rate.

The NBR chairman also noted that the revenue collection target had been significantly increased—from 4 lakh crore Taka to 6 lakh crore Taka—indicating limited scope for tax reductions.

Overall, with the upcoming budget, the government is considering both incentives and revenue enhancement measures in the transport sector. Experts believe that these steps could bring positive changes to the country’s transportation system.