BTV gets Tk 73 crore VAT waiver for World Cup broadcast rights

The government has waived the value-added tax (VAT) of Tk 73 crore payable by Bangladesh Television (BTV) for purchasing the broadcast rights of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Internal Resources Division (IRD) has imposed four conditions in granting the waiver.

According to a recent order, the VAT waiver will take effect from June 23, 2026. However, it will only apply to BTV's payable amount for acquiring the All Media Rights of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

BTV has directly purchased the broadcast rights from FIFA this time, costing Tk 73 crore — approximately Tk 25 crore less than the previous World Cup. The purchase proposal was approved at the meeting of the Advisory Committee on Government Purchase on June 7.

Under the IRD's conditions, BTV must submit detailed accounts to the concerned VAT commissioner within 10 days of payment. Additionally, no sub-licensee of BTV will be eligible for the VAT waiver, and the benefit will not apply to any other services acquired within the country other than the World Cup broadcast rights.

The IRD said the special VAT waiver was granted to ensure FIFA World Cup broadcast and reduce the expenditure of the state broadcaster. However, BTV must comply with all the specified conditions to avail the benefit.