Businesses are facing significant hardships due to anomalies in government customs policies, alleged leading ICT and computer entrepreneurs.
Addressing a discussion meeting titled “The ICT and Computer Sector: The Future Growth Engine,” they sought immediate government intervention to alleviate their difficulties.
ICT Secretary Sish Haider Chowdhury was present as the chief guest at the meeting, organised by Computer Solutions Inc. (CSI) and its Chinese partner EKSA on Monday evening.
“We have previously requested the NBR to address these anomalies, but nothing changed. Now, we hope that the current government will take appropriate action to resolve our issues,” said Zahirul Islam, Chairman of Smart Technology, at the meeting.
Many entrepreneurs have invested in the Hi-Tech Park, but they have incurred huge losses due to frequent harassment by customs authorities, he alleged.
He added that they face unbearable difficulties in releasing consignments imported by industries in the Hi-Tech Park. Mohammad Abul Hasan, MD and CEO of CSI, told the meeting that the government should be proactive in removing bottlenecks for the computer industry.
Due to the absence of proper HS codes for computer parts and accessories, entrepreneurs in this sector face severe difficulties and delays in releasing their consignments, he said.
In his speech, the ICT Secretary assured entrepreneurs that the ministry would take the necessary steps to remove barriers for this sector, which has significant potential to become the next driver of economic growth.
He also acknowledged that many flawed policies were implemented during the previous regime, hindering the smooth development of the computer industry.
He mentioned that inflated project costs in the past led to significant financial losses for the government.
"The government's primary task is to create space and an enabling environment for businesses, and we will do that," he added.
Leon Lin, Director of EKSA, and Shahidul Islam Monir, former President of the Bangladesh Computer Samity, also spoke at the event, which was followed by several product launches by CSI and EKSA.
