The 15 percent value-added tax on internet usage should be waived to ensure easy access to internet, Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu said yesterday.
Easy internet access can help enhance the young generation's knowledge and support them in developing the country, he said.
“Use of internet is a basic right like food. We will take initiative to give low-cost high-speed internet.”
Inu spoke at the closing and award giving ceremony of a 10-day computer fair—City IT 2014—organised by BCS Computer City at the IDB Bhaban in the capital.
Internet should be given free in all universities and colleges, he said.
He urged the private television channels to air news on information technology.
The government is working to develop a policy on online sales with the help of Bangladesh Bank, he said.
“I will ask the law enforcers to give especial security in a two-kilometre radius around the IDB Bhaban to stop snatching of computer and its parts.”
The organiser handed the BCS Computer City Award 2014 to State Minister for Science and Technology Yeafesh Osman.
Best in sales approach award was given to HP and best in branding effort award to ASUS.