The local industries will get more facilities in the upcoming budget for fiscal year 2022-23, like in the previous years, as they are contributing a lot to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) and development.
National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem made the assurance at a pre-budget discussion with the leaders of Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) at Bangabandhu Hall of the World Trade Centre here today (Sunday).
"Tax collection is not the prime issue of the NBR, but we are considering industrial expansion, safety of environment, agricultural development and food safety," he said, also assuring the businesses of reducing harassment.
"We are automating our services. We're doing a lot to provide facilities to the local industry," he added.
Chairing the meeting, CCCI President Mahabubul Alam urged the NBR chairman to increase the tax-free income limits, allow opening local letters of credit (LCs) for importing equipment, machinery parts etc., and withdraw the weigh scale on Dhaka-Chattogram highway.
NBR members Md Masud Sadik, Jakia Sultana and Shams Uddin Ahamed, CCCI Vice President A K M Akter Hossain and Hasnat Md Abu Obaida, former CCCI president Engineer Ali Ahamed, Chairman of BSRM Ali Hussain Akber Ali, Chairman of GPH Ispat Md Jahangir Alam, Managing Director of Confidence Cement Jahir Uddin Ahamed, President of Brahmonbaria Chamber of Commerce and Industry Alhaj Azizul Haque, President of Cox's Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industry Md Abu Morshed Chowdhury, president of Rangamati Chamber of Commerce and Industry Md Abdul Wadud, First Vice President of BGMEA Sayed Najrul Islam, Chairman of REHAB, Chattogram Abdul Kaium Chowdhury, First Vice president of BGAPMEA Md Belal, Vice President of Chattogram Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Abida Mostafa and Vice President of C&F Agents Association Altaf Hossain Chowdhury Bachu were present among others.
Later on the day, the NBR Chairman and his team members had another meeting with the Chattogram Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CMCCI) at its conference hall here, presided over by CMCCI president and Chairman of KDS Group Alhaj Khalilur Rahman.
Among others, CMCCI Vice President A M Mahabub Chowdhury, Directors Abul Bashar Chowdhury, Modasser Alam Siddiki and Liakot Ali Chowdhury, Managing Director of BSRM Amir Ali Hussain took part in the discussion.
Addressing the meeting, Mr Khalilur Rahman said the CMCCI has already sent written proposals to the NBR for its special consideration in the next budget.
"We urge the government to facilitate industrial development and introduce an easy tax system for all. The authorities should take steps to stop all types of harassment for trade and businesses," he said.
In response, NBR Chairman Muneem said: "We're working to increase the area of tax, make the system of paying tax easy and stop the tendency of evading tax. We are practicing the easiest system now. So, industrialists can put their faith in us."
He further said that many businessmen in rural areas still remained out of the tax net. "All businesses will be included in the automation system very soon."
