Dhaka, April 9 -- The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Monday issued status quo on an action of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) for collecting income tax from three private universities.

The three private institutions are University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), North South University (NSU) and Southeast University.

Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam, Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court (SC), passed the order following three separate appeals filed by the three private universities challenging a notice issued by the NBR demanding income tax from them.

The apex court judge also set April 21 for further hearing on the appeals at its full bench.

The Appellate Division of the SC on February 27 this year c...