Bangladeshi students block Dhaka roads over tax on fees

9/14/2015 3:26:41 AM

(MENAFN- The Journal Of Turkish Weekly) Hundreds of Bangladeshi students effectively turned parts of the congested capital Dhaka into pedestrian zones on Sunday as they blockaded major roads to protest extra taxation on their education.

The road in front of parliament and a majorintersection in the adjoining upscale Dhanmondi area were completely blocked off by students forming human chains indemonstration againstthe government's plan to introduce avalue added tax (VAT) on private university fees.

The protests resumed on full scale on Sunday the start of the working week despite the government insisting on Thursday that the private universities notstudents would have to pay the tax.

"At some points the government says the VAT is only for the authority at another time they said the students have to pay. So they have to be clear on that" Shibishash a protesting studentfromDaffodil International University told Anadolu Agency. "We are from middle class families so these7.5 percent is very hard for us to pay."

Other students have claimed they will not ceaseprotestinguntil the tax is completely withdrawn as the universities are likely to increase fees to account for the VAT instead of directly charging it.

Shibishashalso claimed that the government's plans went against the constitution which prevents taxation of education addingthe government was sidestepping it by only charging the value added taxto private universities and medical colleges.

"This is part of our basic needs:food clothes and education. So you cannot put taxes [on these services]" said Jubayr another student from Daffodil.

Shibishash pointed out that the protesters were not from political backgrounds and that the demonstrations did not involve the student wings of the main political parties who are known for often using violence.

"This is a big achievement for us for normal people to be in this kind of movement" he said adding that it had been a peaceful protest.

Student groups from the various private universities in the city have already announced that the protests which have gridlocked much of the citywill continue on Monday reported news website bdnews24.

The effect the protests have had on Dhaka also appears to have shaken the government with Finance MinisterA.M.A. Muhith telling reporters on Sunday that the policy was "not rigid" in a turnaround from his stance last week.

The protests spread throughout the city after police reportedly fired at a smaller initial rally on Wednesday. No injuries or deaths were reported.

With a fast-growing middle class inBangladeshkeen to pursue higher education private universitieshave been set up all over the city to cater to the increasing demand.

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