Restaurant Owners Demand Withdrawal of Proposed Taxes on Essential Goods

The Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association and Caterers have demanded the complete withdrawal of proposed source taxes and supplementary duties on essential goods. They also called for uniform tax rates for restaurants and catering services. The association thanked the government for attempting to create a business-friendly budget amidst economic challenges but noted the restaurant sector was overlooked. Citing increased operational costs due to rising LPG, electricity prices, and inflation, they proposed a uniform 5% VAT for all establishments. The proposed taxes on essential items are seen as an additional financial burden on consumers.

This demand highlights concerns within the business community regarding proposed tax increases and their potential impact on consumers and the economy.