NN Online:
Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed on Monday unveiled the proposed national budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year, introducing changes to VAT and duties that will directly impact the prices of various goods and services.
The budget, announced via Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar, came into effect immediately, meaning consumers will begin to feel the price shifts without delay.
What’s Getting Costlier
Due to increased taxes and import duties, the following items and services are expected to become more expensive:
Household and electronic goods: Refrigerators, air conditioners, mobile phones, washing machines, microwave ovens, electric ovens, blenders, juicers, mixers, grinders, electric kettles, irons, rice cookers, multicookers, pressure cookers, and elevators.
Plastic and metal items: All types of plastic tableware, kitchenware, household goods, toiletries and hygiene products, screws, blades, joints (connectors), nuts, bolts, nails, and electric line fittings.
Construction materials and services: Steel rods and services by construction companies.
Other costlier sectors: E-commerce sales, cigarettes, flats and commercial spaces, soap, shampoo, cotton yarn, and LPG cylinders.
What’s Getting Cheaper
Conversely, several essential and consumer-friendly goods and services are set to become more affordable:
Health and personal care: Cancer drugs, insulin, sanitary napkins, and diapers.
Daily essentials: Packaged liquid milk, sugar, and pet food.
Transport and travel: Airfare and land registration fees.
Technology and communication: Locally made computer monitors (above 30″), lithium and griffin batteries.
Eco-friendly and local goods: Handicrafts and utensils made of clay, leaves, flowers, or bark; handmade clay pots; paper; newsprint; ink; and cricket bats.
Energy and utilities: Liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Others: Ice cream and locally manufactured e-bikes.
The revised tariff structure aims to balance fiscal goals with consumer needs, although the changes mean a mixed bag for citizens—some daily items and services will ease in cost, while others, particularly in electronics and household appliances, will become more expensive.
