Importing refurbished laptops

Laptops are an essential tool for students. In today's technology-driven education system, they have become one of the top users of laptops. However, the rising prices of personal computers, laptops and smart phones have affected the students badly. And many of them, who are from low- and middle-income families, can no longer afford new laptops, for which many are falling behind academically. The prices of tech devices like laptops have already increased 10-15 per cent due to the current high conversion rate of taka with dollar. With this, a 15 per cent value added tax (VAT) was proposed on imported laptops in the budget, making them more expensive.

If we want to move forward in the information technology sector, we must keep the prices of computers and laptops at tolerable levels. If we can deliver high-configured computers to our students at low cost, they will certainly become skilful in the future. At present, various companies in Bangladesh have started importing hardly-used high-configured laptops from a number of countries, and selling them at low prices. In my view, it is a good initiative. If the government supports these importers and computer firms, the students will be able to buy high-performance laptops at cheap prices. Importing refurbished laptops will help not only the students, but also new freelancers and entrepreneurs.

Md. Arifur Rahman Sumon,

Deputy Manager,

Sadharan Bima Corporation