In a pre-budget discussion, mobile operators today urged the government to remove value added tax (VAT) on internet use in the upcoming fiscal plan for 2016-17.

The demand was placed by Mobile Telecom Operators Association to the National Board of Revenue (NBR). The programme was held at NBR office.

TIM Nurul Kabir, secretary general of the mobile operators' association, also placed a demand to withdraw VAT on the purchase of internet modem.

He said the VAT withdrawal will increase the number of internet subscription across the country and will contribute to the development of Bangladesh's economy.

Currently, the number of active internet subscription stands at an overwhelming 60 million. Majority of the subscription – about 94 percent – is dominated by mobile internet subscription.