The Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh has expressed deep concern over the government's decision to retain the existing 10 percent income tax on private universities in the national budget. In a statement signed by the association’s director Belal Ahmed, the organization called on the government to reconsider the tax policy in the interest of students and the higher education sector.

According to the statement, the association had earlier presented the rationale for withdrawing the tax to the Ministry of Education, the University Grants Commission, the National Board of Revenue, and other policymakers, but no positive response was received. It noted that private universities already pay significant amounts in VAT and other taxes for infrastructure, technology, laboratories, and educational services. The additional 10 percent income tax, the association warned, would hinder institutional development and indirectly increase the cost of higher education for students.

The association emphasized that private universities operate as non-profit entities under existing law, and imposing income tax raises a policy question internationally. It urged authorities to view investment in education as a long-term investment in human resource development rather than an expense.