Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association today demanded the withdrawal of the decision to increase taxes on telecommunication and internet services.

They made the demand at a human chain programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club in the capital this morning. About 200 people took part in the event that started around 11:00am.

They also termed the decision as "imprudent".

On Thursday, National Board of Revenue (NBR) issued a gazette on increasing the value added tax (VAT) and supplementary duty (SD) on about 100 products and services.

The supplementary duty on the use of mobile phones has been increased from 20 percent to 23 percent. Mobile phone users will now have to fork over 42.45 percent in SD, VAT and surcharge, up from 39 percent.

On the other hand, internet prices will increase due to the imposition of a 10 percent SD on broadband internet.