Motorcyclists stage protest in front of NBR against advance tax plan

Motorcyclists formed a human chain in front of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), demanding reconsideration of the proposal to impose advance income tax on motorcycles in the upcoming 2026-27 budget. They urged the government to immediately withdraw the decision.

On Sunday, motorcyclists lined up their bikes on the road in front of the NBR building and staged the programme.

Participants in the human chain said there are reports of imposing a new Advance Income Tax (AIT) or additional duty on motorcycle owners in the proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. They took to the streets to protest the planned measure.

They claim that motorcycles are no longer a luxury item; rather, they are one of the main means of transportation and livelihood for the common people.

A driver named AKM Emon said, "We have to pay a huge amount of duty and VAT when buying a motorcycle. If the tax is imposed again, it will be a huge blow to the common people. We want them to withdraw this decision."

The drivers said that they have suffered a lot in the last few months due to the price and supply of fuel. If the tax is imposed again, it will create additional pressure on the common users. Therefore, they called for keeping motorcycles tax-free.