Dhaka, Feb 04 (V7N) – Financial Advisor Dr. Saleh Uddin Ahmed has stated that some traders have imposed higher-than-fixed VAT rates, prompting the government to call a meeting with them in the coming days.

Speaking after a meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Economic Affairs and Government Procurement at the Secretariat on Tuesday, he emphasized that the issue of VAT will also be addressed during the upcoming budget discussions.

Inflation Remains a Key Challenge

Dr. Ahmed highlighted that controlling inflation remains the government’s biggest challenge, assuring that essential goods will not face shortages as supply measures are being reinforced. However, he noted that inflation will take at least three more months to return to a tolerable level.

Government’s Financial Strategy

Addressing concerns about the economy, he acknowledged that VAT has been slightly increased as part of efforts to stabilize the financial system. He also mentioned that due to liquidity shortages, a special fund has been created to manage financial operations.

Dismissing concerns over an economic collapse similar to Sri Lanka, Dr. Ahmed reassured that Bangladesh's financial situation is fundamentally different and more stable.

The upcoming meeting with traders is expected to focus on preventing excessive VAT hikes and ensuring fair pricing to protect consumers.

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