Dhaka, June 22 -- CHATTOGRAM, June 21: Tyre importers, dealers and transport operators have urged the government to withdraw the proposed 20 per cent supplementary duty (SD) on commercial vehicle tyres, arguing that the measure would significantly raise transport costs and add fresh pressure to inflation.

They alleged that the proposed duty is intended to protect local manufacturers that meet only 10-15 per cent of domestic demand, while the import-dependent segment burdened with a heavier tax supplies the remaining 85-90 per cent of the market.

The concerns were raised at a press conference organised by the Chattogram Tyre Tube Importers and Dealers Group at the World Trade Centre in Chattogram on Sunday. Representatives from several t...