Add’l VAT better than underhand deals: Salehuddin

Staff Reporter :

Paying additional VAT is preferable to engaging in underhanded dealings, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed stated at a seminar titled Reforms in Customs, Income Tax, and VAT Management to Address LDC Graduation.

The seminar was held at the NEC Conference Room in the city on Monday.

Salehuddin acknowledged that while additional VAT may seem burdensome, it brings long-term benefits.

“By paying VAT, businessmen can avoid the need to pay bribes in various sectors. The aim is to streamline payments solely to VAT. For example, even truck fares on routes like Dhaka-Bogura have decreased. Be patient; we are using the additional VAT for critical development projects such as Matarbari Port,” he said.

He assured that the collected VAT would not be misused, emphasising, “We are working for the people, not to fill our own pockets. The revenue is being directed toward development.”

The adviser also pledged significant reforms to reduce corruption and improve the tax system. Sharing a personal anecdote, he said, “I remember having to pay Tk 20,000 as a bribe just to get a telephone line. We are committed to reforming taxes, policies, and VAT to eliminate such practices.”

Salehuddin called for patience and cooperation, reiterating the government’s efforts to implement fair and effective reforms in taxation and VAT management.