The Interior Designers Association of Bangladesh (IDAB) has urged the government to slash the 15% Value-Added Tax (VAT) on consultancy services and reduce import duties on essential materials to boost the sector’s growth. At a press conference, IDAB leaders highlighted the industry’s challenges, including foreign exchange shortages, global instability, and price manipulation by domestic syndicates, which have led to a 30-40% rise in material prices.
The association emphasized the need for supportive fiscal and regulatory measures to unlock the industry’s potential. Saiful Islam Shoron, Acting President of IDAB, stated that interior design is no longer a luxury but an essential part of modern living. Sajib Jahan, Vice President of IDAB, noted that the absence of a national policy often excludes interior designers from public infrastructure and large-scale development projects.
IDAB leaders also highlighted the lack of formal education infrastructure, with no public university offering a dedicated academic program in interior design. Shafiul Islam, Chief Adviser of IDAB, emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration to build a skilled workforce. The industry encompasses around 10,000 firms and hundreds of thousands of professionals, contributing significantly to employment and the national economy.
The association called for formal professional recognition of interior designers, inclusion in the country’s SME development frameworks, and an annual “IDAB Excellence in Interior Design Award” to promote innovation and best practices.
Source and Image Courtesy: tbsnews.net
