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The telecoms regulator BTRC has directed mobile network operators (MNOs) and internet service providers (ISPs) to provide detailed information on their spending on digital advertisements on social media platforms.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (BTRC) asked the operators to submit 10 days reports of their digital ad spending during the 2022 January-December period.
Telecom value-added service operators, A2P SMS aggregators, vehicle tracking service operators, and their associations were also asked to detail their spending on digital ads.
In a letter earlier this week, the BTRC said it noticed that operators are running frequent ads on social networks such as Google, WhatsApp, Yahoo, Amazon, YouTube, Facebook, and Imo.
The commission asked them to follow a sample spreadsheet to list their payment details for digital advertising, including the amount paid, what currency was used and how it was transferred.
In addition, there is space for mentioning the description or type of advertisement that aired.
Global tech giants operating in Bangladesh came under the tax net last fiscal year as the government made it mandatory for them to submit returns even if they lack a physical presence here.
In 2021, Google, Facebook, Amazon and Microsoft received value-added tax registration, enabling the revenue board to ensure compliance in this regard.
In October 2021, the High Court ordered the government to take steps to collect taxes, VAT and other charges on the revenues generated by such companies in Bangladesh.