Mahdi Amin: Private universities should not be subject to VAT

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Education Mahdi Amin has voiced strong opposition to imposing VAT on private universities, asserting that higher education institutions should remain exempt from such taxation.

He made the remarks on Tuesday night while attending a discussion as a special guest titled “Problems and Solutions of Private Universities.”

“We opposed the VAT imposed on private universities under what we view as a previous authoritarian regime. Our position remains unchanged—there should be no VAT on higher education, and there will not be any,” he said.

Referring to the sector’s origins, he noted that private universities in Bangladesh began during the tenure of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Institutions such as North South University and others were established at that time, which he said demonstrated early policy support for the sector.

He also commended the contributions of private university students and faculty during recent mass protests, noting their significant role in national developments.

Mahdi Amin reiterated that the government remains committed to ensuring that no VAT is imposed on private universities in the future.