A parliamentary body yesterday recommended that the government reduce the proposed import tax on different commodities including second-hand cars of up to 2,000cc, cellphone sets and raw materials for furniture.

"We have recommended reduction of the import tax on second-hand cars of up to 2,000cc considering the middle-income group," said AHM Mostafa Kamal, popularly known as Lotus Kamal.

Kamal, chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on finance ministry, was talking to reporters after a meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

"The committee at the same time recommended that the finance minister rethink the proposed import tax rate on mobile phone sets and SIM cards," he said.

"We believe harassment of cellphone users will reduce once the mobile phone sets are sold at fixed rate."

The parliamentary body also recommended reduction of import tax of raw materials for furniture and aluminium industry.

"We hope the finance minister will bring changes in the proposed budget in line with our recommendations," said the standing committee chief.

He added budget will not be passed the way it was announced in parliament, adding there will be certainly some changes.

He also said a website on the standing committee on finance ministry will be launched soon.

Lotus Kamal said they made the recommendations considering suggestions of the leaders of different trade bodies.

-The Daily Star