The implementation of the Value Added Tax (VAT) and Supplementary Duty (SD) Act 2012, set for July 1, will see English medium schools charged a 15% VAT, though Bangla medium schools continue to enjoy exemption. This is supplemented by the Money Bill 2017 which clearly states that “all educational systems, excluding English medium schools, are exempted from VAT”. Also Read- High Court: VAT on English medium tuition fees illegalThe fight for English medium schools to given equal consideration predates the government’s decision to scrap VAT on tuition fees of private universities, medical colleges, Bangla medium schools and engineering colleges in September 2015. Also Read- Verdict on English medium schools fees VAT stayedFollowing that, on December 12 last year, the High Court declared the imposition of VAT on English medium schools to be illegal. When questioned about the proposed 15% VAT to be placed on English medium schools, irrespective of the Supreme Court ban, VAT Online Project Director Rezaul Hasan told the Dhaka Tribune: “This VAT will be imposed on English medium schools.

Source: Dhaka Tribune June 01, 2017 11:34 UTC