Businesses urge govt to curb corruption in tax, VAT offices

Businesses on Sunday urged the government to take measures to stop bribery and corruption at tax, VAT, and customs offices under the National Board of Revenue.

“Stop bribery and corruption in income tax and customs offices.

We will not demand reductions in tax and VAT,” said Shahadat Hossain Sohel, chairman of Bangladesh Terry Towel and Linen Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

“Rather, we will pay whatever the rate you ask for,” he said while speaking at a pre-budget discussion with NBR, headed by its chairman Abdur Rahman Khan at the latter’s office in the city.

Speaking at the meeting, the NBR chairman said the revenue board is planning to introduce a QR code system on packaged products sold in the market in a bid to curb value-added tax (VAT) evasion and improve overall tax compliance.

At the initial stage, he said, they plan to start with tobacco products, with gradual implementation to other packaged goods like soap, shampoo, bottled water, and sugary items.

He also said that individuals who provide information about tax evasion or misconduct would be rewarded, while those found evading taxes would face penalties or fines.

Leaders from various business bodies, including BGMEA, BKMEA and BTMA, were present, at the meeting.