Students of some private universities yesterday demanded that the proposed 10 percent value added tax (VAT) in the upcoming budget for 2015-16 fiscal on the country’s private universities, medical and engineering colleges be rescinded, reports UNB. They also threatened to wage a tougher movement if their demand goes unheeded. The students came up with the demand at a demonstration staged under the banner of ‘Private University Students Education Rights Preservation Movement’ at the Jatiya Press Club. While placing budget in parliament on June 4, Finance Minister AMA Muhith proposed levying 10 percent VAT on private universities, private medical and
engineering colleges.
Demanding immediate cancellation of the proposal of imposing the VAT on the private educational institutions, speakers said education is not a product, rather a fundamental right. They alleged that the government itself is restraining students from enjoying the fundamental right through imposing the VAT on private universities and other institutions. Observing that the government is creating discrimination between the students of private and public institutions through this move which is also a sheer violation of the constitution, they said some 4.5 lakh students will be affected if the Finance Minister’s proposal goes through parliament.