FROM PAGE B1

The initiative is part of the government’s wider efforts to promote the information technology and digital services sectors, which have become key sources of jobs, entrepreneurship and foreign exchange earnings.

Officials added that the tax relief is expected to encourage young entrepreneurs, freelancers and digital content creators to expand their activities, while also helping to formalise the country’s fast-growing creator economy.

The move gained momentum after the prime minister recently met content creator Zuel Rana, owner of “Citto Media,” who produces nature-related content on social media.

Following the meeting, the creator said the government had assured steps to withdraw the source tax on freelance and content-creation income.

Meanwhile, Dutch-Bangla Bank has formally suspended the deduction of withholding tax on freelance earnings. It also said it has started the process of refunding taxes previously deducted from freelancers’ accounts.

Bangladesh currently has around 500,000 freelancers working in digital services and content creation, making it one of the largest freelance talent pools in the region.

METRO RAIL VAT EXEMPTION LIKELY TO CONTINUE

The government is likely to extend the existing value-added tax (VAT) exemption on fares of the Dhaka metro rail for another year, as the The Dhaka metro rail began commercial operations in late December 2022 and quickly became popular among commuters, especially office workers and students seeking relief from crowded and congested bus travel.

Since its launch, the government has maintained tax exemptions on metro rail fares. Around 3.5 lakh passengers now use the service daily.