Tax on mobile service is a burden

Extra supplementary tax on the mobile calls, SMS, MMS, internet service will have a negative effect on our digitisation process. I think imposition of a new tax over cell phone use will add an unnecessary burden on the consumers. The present government is aiming to create a digital Bangladesh, so such taxes should be avoided. The government is talking about creating a digital Bangladesh on the one hand and it is slapping an extra tax on the other. It is a contradictory move. I hope the government will realise it.

The internet and the mobile phone have become a necessity in today's world. It is no more a luxury. We must not forget that due to cheaper call rate and mobile phone prices even the poor people are using mobile and it has contributed positively to our economy and society. I hope the Finance minister will think over the matter. Slapping additional tax on internet and mobile calls will make a negative impact in the long run.

Mobile phones have unfolded a new dimension of communication which was hitherto unknown to us. The sector should be patronised in all possible ways.

Mohammed Sohel Hara

Bonoshree, Dhaka

sohelhara@hotmail.com