Md. Rafeuzzaman, the president of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), expressed his opposition to the 15 percent tax proposed in the FY25 budget for the tourism sector. He conveyed this stance during a meeting with FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam shortly after the budget announcement on June 6, as per a press release.

Rafeuzzaman emphasized, "We cannot afford to impose VAT on tourists. The government has already subsidized the food and accommodation provided by hotels utilized by tourists. Implementing a separate VAT would impose additional burdens on the tourism sector and tour operators."

He further stated, "Therefore, we strongly urge the government to reconsider and withdraw the VAT imposed on this sector."

In response to the proposed tax, TOAB is planning a comprehensive program to further advocate for the withdrawal of the VAT.