Dhaka, Nov. 15 -- The government on Sunday decided to reduce import duties on dates, oranges and apples to keep supplies adequate and prices affordable during the holy month of Ramadan.

The decision was approved at a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

The Cabinet Division disclosed the decision in a press release following the meeting.

Under the new decision, the customs duty on date imports has been reduced from 25 percent to 5 percent.

The total tax incidence on imported oranges and apples has also been cut from 121.78 percent to 61 percent.

The reduced customs duty on dates will remain effective until March 10, 2027.

The lower tax rate on oranges and apples will remain in effec...