Dhaka, Jan 13 (V7N)- In a major move to keep mobile phone prices within the purchasing power of the general public, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has reduced customs duty on mobile phone imports from 25 percent to 10 percent, cutting the existing duty by 60 percent.

The decision was announced through an official notification issued on Tuesday morning (January 13).

In a separate notification, the NBR also reduced the customs duty on imported components used by mobile phone assembly companies from 10 percent to 5 percent, resulting in a 50 percent reduction in duty for the local assembly industry.

According to the NBR, the revised duty structure will significantly lower handset prices. The price of an imported complete mobile phone priced above Tk 30,000 is expected to decrease by approximately Tk 5,500, while the price of a locally assembled mobile phone in the same price range may drop by around Tk 1,500.

The government believes that the substantial reduction in customs duties on both finished mobile phones and assembly components will help ensure that mobile devices remain affordable for ordinary citizens and contribute to easier access to digital services across the country.

The NBR said the government will continue its efforts to keep mobile phone prices within the reach of the general public as part of its broader goal of expanding digital connectivity and inclusion.

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