Issue of VAT on tuition fees to be resolved: Muhith

Finance Minister AMA Muhith Wednesday said that he would soon meet with the members of the managing boards of the private universities and also the students to discuss the problems arising out of VAT imposed on the tuition fees, reports UNB.

"I am going to meet the members of the managing board of the private universities and also the students. I have to talk to them on the issue," he told the news agency.

The Finance Minister said Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid has already contacted him over the issue. "I've to find out how to resolve this issue" he said.

Asked whether the government is sincere to resolve the problem, Muhith said "Yes, the problem has to be resolved." On Tuesday, Nurul Islam Nahid said the government is considering withdrawal of VAT on tuition fees of private university students.

As the government imposed 4.5 per cent VAT on tuition fee, the university authorities have transferred it to the students' shoulders by increasing their tuition fees.

Finding no other way aggrieved students took to the streets on Monday-Tuesday protesting the government decision. They demanded immediate withdrawal of the VAT on their tuition fees.

The students of the Universities of South Asia, East-West and American International University, Bangladesh staged protests and barricaded Mohakhali-Airport road to press home their demand.

Earlier on Tuesday, at least 20 people, including 10 cops, were injured as students of private universities clashed with police at Banani in the city while demonstrating for the second day against the government decision to impose VAT on their tuition fees.