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.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
