Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Munim, Senior Secretary of the Internal Resources Department and Chairman of the National Board of Revenue said, “We are bringing transparency and automation to stop harassment and we are working for the development of the country”.
He made the remark while speaking at a pre-budget exchange meeting for the fiscal year 2021-22 organized by Chittagong Chamber at the Bangabandhu Conference Hall of the World Trade Center in Chattogram’s Agrabad on Thursday.
The NBR chairman said the tax on finished products was imposed to protect the domestic industry. There are obligations in tax assessment due to some international agreements. The Ministry of Industry should take responsibility to limit the import of sodium sulphate. In order to protect the salt farmers, import permit has to be given in that way.
Burnt Mobil car machinery destroys the environment. Why Bangladesh will be the dumping zone of used lube?
He said, taxpayers have difficulty understanding. Tax collection alone is not our main issue. Many issues are considered in the development of local industry, environmental protection, agricultural production, food security. Will we be dependent on onions from India and Myanmar? Don't achieve self-reliance? If we depend on others, will there be food safety?
The NBR chairman said the tourism industry adds a lot of value as tourists spends a lot of money. We expect a lot of revenue to come. But for this you have to give logistical support. The potential of Cox's Bazar is bright in this sector.
He said the government has brought enough Covid-19 vaccine. Business, office, daily work no longer have to stop. If the accounts are transparent, there is no fear of revenue and taxes. We have developed apps for audit reports. If you enter the audit data, the code number will come. I will not accept audit report without number. Must come within compliance.
Chittagong Chamber President Mahbubul Alam presided over the meeting.
Port Member (Finance) Md. Kamrul Amin said the capacity of the port has increased. We are trying to give maximum service. 9,000 TEUs are awaiting auction. If these are auctioned quickly, the congestion in the port will be reduced. 4 scanners are to be installed for export containers. This is required for ISPS code compliance.
Altaf Hossain Chowdhury Bachchu, General Secretary of C&F agents said there was a shortage of manpower in the custom house. The number of chemists in the laboratory should be increased.
Md. Enayet Ullah, president of the Tax Lawyers Association, said the audit needs to be done at a specific time, not throughout the year.
Cox's Bazar Chamber President Abu Morshed Khoka said farmers were not going to the field as the price of salt was low. The market is booming by importing salt in the name of industry. Equipment for making hygienic dry fish should be given duty free facility.
REHAB Chittagong President Abdul Kauam Chowdhury said, "We want a fund of Tk 20,000 crore for the accommodation of common people at low interest." Black money, undisclosed money needs to be invested in the housing sector, or there is a risk of moving to a second home like London or Malaysia.
Zahir Uddin Ahmed, managing director of Confidence Cement, said the world ship price has skyrocketed. There is a risk of horrendous inflation in food and non-food products. Demand for raw materials has increased as various countries have withdrawn lockdowns. It is the responsibility of the NBR to create facilities and level playing fields for those who are paying VAT. The prices of construction industry materials are rising.
BSM Group Chairman Abul Bashar Chowdhury said taxes are determined on the basis of profit and loss worldwide. In the case of basic consumer goods, 2 percent is being deducted. The customs authorities collect the tax without any notice or circular. We want unequal competition to be eliminated. Delays in AIT returns or adjustments need to be overcome.
AKM Akhter Hossain, president of the C&F Agents Association, said the complexity in food grain imports needs to be resolved. Hassel wants a free budget. Container free port, want speedy customs clearance.
Former director of the chamber Mahfuzul Haque Shah, Amal Kanti Das of Bandarban chamber, Chittagong Women's chamber, Rangamati chamber, Teribazar business association, representatives of furniture owners association spoke.