Avoid new taxes on everyday food for ordinary people

Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, PRAN-RFL chairman, calls for consultation with businesses before making policy decisions

21 MIN(s) ago

Sukanta Halder

Ahsan Khan Chowdhury

The upcoming national budget should avoid imposing any new taxes on food products consumed by ordinary people, said Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, chairman of PRAN-RFL Group, one of the country’s largest food and beverage companies.“I respectfully request the current government not to impose any new taxes on ordinary consumers. A five-taka biscuit is not a luxury item; for many people, it is a basic necessity,” he said in an interview with The Daily Star.Chowdhury said any additional taxes on businesses ultimately increase costs for consumers.“Whenever additional taxes are imposed on businesses, there is no option but to pass the burden on to consumers,” he added.He urged the government not to repeat past mistakes and called for greater consultation with businesses before making policy decisions.