Dhaka, April 18 -- Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) passengers may see nominal VAT (value-added tax) from next fiscal year as the government is going slow to avert any sudden pressure on their fares.

The revenue board has found the MRT as a potential new avenue of VAT collection as other modes of transport having air con are already under the purview of VAT.

As per the VAT law, MRT passengers will require paying VAT at a rate of 15 per cent on their ticket prices after the exemption expires on 30 June 2024.

According to a senior VAT official, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) may not become desperate to collect VAT initially considering popularity of the MRT.

However, a nominal rate below 10 per cent may be imposed in the budget if the NBR'...