The government is considering that it would resolve the VAT related case in connection with SIM replacement ahead of 4G auction through External Resources Division. Since Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is planning to float the 4G auction by this year, the government has taken a further initiative to bring four mobile operators into the upcoming auction. According to provision 55(3) of VAT law 1991, mobile operators will pay VAT while they sell any SIM. The authorities concerned informed Finance Minister AMA Muhith about the VAT issue relating to SIM replacement at a meeting. According to the operators, they pay VAT while selling SIM, but they do not pay VAT when a subscriber approaches them to replace SIMs because VAT is paid off during SIM sale.

Source: Dhaka Tribune May 08, 2017 17:03 UTC