Dhaka, Feb. 20 -- On January 9, a directive from the VAT Law and Regulations Division of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) stated that, according to the Value Added Tax and Supplementary Duty (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, the VAT rate at the business level was increased from 5.0 per cent to 7.5 per cent. This new rate was also applicable to supershops, according to a press release.

Following this, the Supermarket Owners Association and senior executives of various supermarkets held discussions with senior NBR officials, requesting a reduction in the VAT rate. The representatives of supershops proposed three specific customer-friendly suggestions. The higher officials of the NBR considered these proposals and advised following the standar...