Bangladesh, Nov. 15 -- The government has reduced import duties and taxes on dates, oranges and apples ahead of Ramadan to ensure adequate supplies and keep prices affordable.

Customs duty on dates has been cut to 5.0 per cent from 25 per cent. The total tax burden on imported oranges and apples has also been reduced to 61 per cent from 121.78 per cent, as er local media reports.

The Cabinet approved the reductions at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat on Sunday. The Internal Resources Division placed the proposal, according to a Cabinet Division press release.

The reduced 5 per cent customs duty on dates will remain effective until March 10 next year.

The lower tax rate on oranges and apples will a...