Interior designers urge VAT, duty cuts to boost sector growth

To boost quality and make services more affordable, the Interior Designers Association of Bangladesh (IDAB) has called for slashing the 15% VAT on consultancy services and reducing steep import duties on essential materials.

At a press conference held today (26 July) at the Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF), IDAB leaders said the sector is facing mounting challenges due to foreign exchange shortages, global instability, and price manipulation by domestic syndicates.

As a result, the prices of key materials such as timber, hardware, and lighting have risen by 30%-40% in recent months, they said.

Despite its growing relevance and potential, the interior design industry in Bangladesh remains constrained by policy gaps, a lack of formal education infrastructure, and persistent economic barriers, IDAB representatives said.

To address these challenges, the association unveiled a strategic roadmap for sectoral development and urged the government to intervene through supportive fiscal and regulatory measures.

"Interior design is no longer a luxury, but an essential part of modern living," said Saiful Islam Shoron, acting president of IDAB. He called for urgent reductions in VAT and import duties, as well as comprehensive policy support to unlock the industry's potential.

The event marked the first anniversary of IDAB and was also addressed by Vice President (Architect) Sajib Jahan and Chief Adviser Shafiul Islam.

IDAB leaders highlighted that no public university in Bangladesh currently offers a dedicated academic programme in interior design, hindering the development of a skilled workforce. While a few costly private-sector courses are available, they are insufficient to meet industry demand or build an internationally competitive talent pool.

"Due to the absence of a national policy, interior designers are often excluded from public infrastructure and large-scale development projects," said Sajib Jahan, vice president of IDAB.

The organisation also called for formal professional recognition of interior designers, the inclusion of the sector within the country's SME development frameworks, and the introduction of an annual "IDAB Excellence in Interior Design Award" to promote innovation and best practices in the industry.

"Interior design is not just about aesthetics – it's about creating healthy, functional spaces," said Shafiul Islam, chief adviser of IDAB. "Without public-private collaboration, we cannot build the skilled workforce the sector urgently needs."

He noted that the industry encompasses around 10,000 firms and hundreds of thousands of professionals, contributing significantly to employment and the national economy.