With a 10% supplementary duty slapped on over-the-top (OTT) platform services in the recent budget, consumer costs and spending are both going to increase for streaming services.

The new duty was announced by Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed via a pre-recorded speech telecast today (2 June) while unveiling the national budget of Tk7,89,999 for FY26.Aside from supplementary duty on OTT platforms, the value-added tax (VAT) on commissions from online sales of goods has also been hiked to 15% in the fiscal year 2025-26, up from 5% a year ago.

OTT platforms in Bangladesh include Chorki, Hoichoi, Bongo, Binge, etc.In recent years, OTT platforms have registered growth, as both smartphone and internet penetration has increased. Once Covid-19 led to lockdowns, the popularity of OTTs soared further.