PM Dismisses Freelancing Tax Fears, Promises Protection for Digital Earners

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has firmly dismissed rumors of a proposed 7.5 percent value-added tax (VAT) on the income of the country’s freelancers and content creators, offering reassurance to one of Bangladesh’s fastest-growing digital sectors.

The assurance was conveyed to Jewel Rana, founder of the highly popular Facebook page Chitta Media, during a courtesy meeting at the Secretariat on Monday, June 1.

Jewel Rana, who has amassed more than 4.3 million followers within a year through videos centered on agriculture, nature, and human-interest storytelling, later disclosed the development in an exclusive video interview with the daily newspaper Jugantor. The revelation has been welcomed as a major relief for young professionals engaged in freelancing, ICT services, digital marketing, and content creation.

During the latter part of the interview, Jewel Rana said he had personally asked the Prime Minister about widespread speculation regarding the imposition of a 7.5 percent VAT on freelancers and content creators. According to him, the Prime Minister immediately instructed relevant senior officials to verify the matter and assured him that no such tax or VAT would be imposed.

Quoting the Prime Minister, Jewel Rana said he was told: “Something like this cannot be allowed. I want young people to engage in digital marketing, participate in international work, and bring foreign earnings into the country. That is enough.”

The Prime Minister reportedly emphasized that freelancers play a significant role in supporting the national economy and that many young people sustain their families through content creation. Therefore, no financial barriers would be introduced to hinder the growth of the sector.

Jewel Rana further stated in the interview that he reminded the Prime Minister that freelancers do not transfer money or assets out of the country; rather, they earn foreign currency through hard work and bring it into Bangladesh through legitimate channels. As such, he argued, government policies toward the sector should remain supportive.

In response, the Prime Minister reportedly thanked him and said: “Thank you for reminding me. Nothing like that will happen. Please stay assured. No such measures will be imposed on content creators or freelancers, Insha’Allah.”

Although no official written notification or formal government statement has yet been issued regarding any tax exemption or policy decision for the freelancing sector, the Prime Minister’s assurance has already generated considerable optimism among millions of freelancers, IT entrepreneurs, and digital content creators across the country.

DBTech/DJ/MUIM/OR