VAT withdrawal: Welcome decision

Finally the government took the decision to withdraw VAT on tuition fees of private universities. The decision was praised by all and sundry and everyone termed it a prudent one. Education is not a commodity. It is one of the fundamental rights of the people. It is also acknowledged as a basic tool for development of a country.

At a time when everything is undergoing globalisation, we should particularly encourage the education sector and make it global. Private universities are playing an important role in imparting higher education alongside public universities and are actively involved with nation building. The government should ensure that education is allowed to play its due role and does not become a tool for extorting money. The number of people with higher education is rapidly increasing in response to necessity of time.

 I am sure the time is not very far when illiteracy will be a matter of the past. If we can wipe out illiteracy, we shall be able to wipe out poverty, corruption and backwardness. I hope the government will make all possible efforts to keep education away from profit mongers. I also congratulate the students of private universities for their peaceful demonstration and unity. They showed great patience and sagacity in their protest against VAT on tuition fees.

Rumana Sharmeen

Dhaka University