Economy
DCCI Urge Streamlined Tax Mechanisms for Enhanced Compliance, Reduced Costs
The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has called on the government to simplify tax procedures to foster better comprehension, ease compliance, and minimize time, effort, and expenses.
“Corporate tax calculations should adhere to accounting standards, and compliant businesses should occasionally receive incentives,” stated Ashraf Ahmed, DCCI President, during a workshop on “Customs, VAT, and Income Tax Management” held at the DCCI office in the capital, according to a press release issued today.
The workshop was organized by DCCI to inform professionals from its member organizations about recent amendments in relevant laws as outlined in the 2024-25 budget.
Prominent Speakers and Insights
The event featured key presentations by Md Zakir Hossain, Commissioner of Customs, Excise, and VAT Commissionerate, Dhaka East; Snehasish Barua, FCA, Adviser to the DCCI Standing Committee on Customs, VAT, and NBR-related issues; and MBM Lutful Hadi, FCA, Vice-president of ICAB.
Ashraf Ahmed emphasized that automation would diminish discretionary measures and curb leakages. He asserted that compliant businesses encounter fewer hassles, adding that a transparent and accountable revenue system would expand the tax base while reducing complications.
Ahmed further highlighted the positive aspects of the VAT Act, Income Tax Act, and Customs Act, urging their practical application.
VAT Act Amendments and Revenue Goals
Md Zakir Hossain clarified that no major changes were introduced in the new VAT Act, but two procedural adjustments were made for the NBR. He acknowledged that to meet increased revenue collection targets, pressure on all taxpayers, including VAT-paying companies, would rise slightly. He encouraged businesses to familiarize themselves with the VAT Act to benefit from existing rebate facilities.
Snehasish Barua noted that the NBR’s revenue collection target for the current fiscal year is Tk4.8 lakh crore, a 17 percent increase from the previous year. He advocated for reducing import duties to stimulate industrialization and economic growth, stressing the need for a sustainable revenue system in light of the country’s economic conditions.
MBM Lutful Hadi urged the government to properly implement the new Customs Act, designed to lower business costs. He underscored the importance of ensuring a sustainable revenue framework.
Workshop Participation and Key Takeaways
Approximately 90 representatives from DCCI member organizations attended the workshop, gaining a clear understanding of the new rules and procedures to aid their respective entities in lawful calculations.
DCCI Vice-president Md. Junaed Ibna Ali, Directors Kamrul Hasan Tuhin, and M. Mosharraf Hossain were also present during the event.
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday paid tribute to the Armed Forces Division by placing a floral wreath at its headquarters.
Prof Yunus, who visited the division as part of his official duties, laid the wreath to honor the sacrifices and dedication of the members of the Armed Forces.
Following the wreath-laying ceremony, he signed the visitor’s book.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal, along with four other election commissioners, announced their resignation during a press conference today at the Election Commission (EC) building. The resignation follows growing speculation and pressure.
CEC Awal stated, “In this changed situation, I and other commissioners have decided to step down. We’re handing over our resignation letters to the EC Secretary to send it to the President.” After submitting the letters, the CEC and some commissioners quickly left the premises, with no clear explanation for the absence of two election commissioners.
The resignations come amid increasing unrest tied to the registration of political parties such as Nagarik Oikya and Gono Odhikar Parishad. Sources revealed the CEC felt unsafe due to aggressive behavior from activists, prompting the decision to step down.
Protesters outside the EC building hurled shoes at vehicles carrying Election Commissioners Rashida Sultana, Md Alamgir, and Anisur Rahman as they left. Meanwhile, preparations for their exit had already been underway, with the commissioners reportedly relocating personal belongings from their offices.
The commission, appointed in February 2022 for a five-year term, had previously expressed confusion over demands for their resignation, maintaining they had conducted fair elections. However, internal discussions led to the collective decision to resign earlier than expected.
The government will now purchase LNG from the international spot market through open tender instead of negotiation.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in a meeting on Wednesday in principle approved a proposal in this regard.
Adviser of the interim government for Finance Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, who presided over the meeting, said that the government will procure LNG through open tender.
The Energy and Mineral Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources placed the proposal where it sought approval to import LNG from 23 listed companies in the international spot market.
The adviser said that though such 23 companies were enlisted by the previous Awami League government and signed Master Sales and Purchase Agreement, they will remain unchanged.
He said that instead of applying the Speedy Increase of Energy and Power Supply (Special) Act 2010, the interim government will follow the Public Procurement Rules 2008 to ensure the competitive bidding process.
“We don’t want to change them as we wanted to import LNG quickly, ensuring proper competition among the suppliers,” he told reporters.
Committee also approved another proposal in principle to sign a contract to import urea fertiliser for the 2024-25 fiscal year from Fertiglobe Distribution Limited, UAE, on a G-to-G basis.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee on Government Procurement (CCGP) in a meeting, presided over by the Adviser for Finance, approved 3 proposals for import of lentil and fertiliser.
As per the proposal, the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh will procure 10,000 metric tons (MT) of lentil from local firm Sahara Enterprise at a cost of Tk 98.20 crore with each kg priced at Tk 98.20.
The Commerce Ministry which moved the proposal on behalf of the TCB in the meeting mentioned in the proposal that the supplier firm was selected through open tender.
The CCGP approved two separate proposals of the Industries Ministry under which Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation will import 30,000 MT of bulk granular urea fertiliser from Fertiglobe Distribution Limited, UAE, under state to state contract at a cost of Tk 121.48 crore.
Each metric ton of fertiliser will cost $343.17.
Another 30,000 MT of bagged granular urea fertiliser will be procured from the local Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (Kafco) at a cost of Tk 116.99 crore with each metric ton costing $330.50.
