01/05/2026
On April 7th,
I had the privilege of meeting with Rehan Asif Asad, the ICT Advisor to Honorable Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Our discussion focused on a critical need for our education sector: the introduction of eco-friendly Electric School Buses and the necessity of reducing high import duties to make them viable.
He listened with great intent and assured me that the government would view this proposal positively. To be honest, I had my doubts—I wondered if such a significant policy change could actually happen so quickly.
Yesterday, April 30th, I was pleasantly shocked. In just a few short weeks, that vision became a reality! The National Board of Revenue (NBR) officially released a notice exempting electric buses imported for student transport (schools, colleges, and universities) from all forms of Customs Duty (CD), VAT, and Supplementary Duty.
This is more than just a tax cut; it’s a transformative leap forward:
✅ Modern Comfort: Ensuring safe and comfortable commutes for our students.
✅ Green Future: Drastically reducing carbon emissions to protect our environment.
✅ Economic Efficiency: Cutting reliance on fossil fuels and lowering transport costs for parents.
✅ Traffic Relief: Helping to reduce urban congestion through organized school transport.
I am truly overwhelmed by the speed and efficiency with which this critical issue was addressed. When policymakers respond to public proposals with such swift action, it builds the foundation for an incredible business and service ecosystem in our country.
My sincere gratitude to Rehan Asif Asad and the National Board of Revenue for this timely and visionary decision. It is through these collaborative steps and small initiatives that we will build a beautiful, sustainable Bangladesh for tomorrow. 🇧🇩
