Business leaders have called for the resignation of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman, Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem, citing his role in harassing businesses and stifling economic growth.
They have also called for a complete overhaul of the NBR, emphasizing the need for greater accountability among its officials to prevent further harassment.
These demands were made at a meeting of export-oriented trade bodies, organized by the Bangladesh Garment Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) at a hotel in the capital on Monday.
Abdullah Hil Rakib, vice-president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), speaking as a special guest, stressed the need for a complete reform of the NBR.
He suggested that an expert with a solid understanding of economics should be appointed as NBR chairman. "As key contributors to the revenue sector, it's essential that every policy is developed after thorough research and consultation with us," he added.
Shams Mahmud, a director of the BGMEA, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the ongoing harassment businesses face from the NBR. He called for immediate action to address this issue, especially concerning the readymade garments (RMG) sector.
Additionally, K M Iqbal, the vice-president of the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association pointed out that while harassment from the NBR is a significant issue, there are other areas that also require attention.
“The NBR chairman is just a collector; he is not a law maker but he introduces laws. Strict action should be taken in this regard to the effect that only lawmakers will make laws, not any collector,” he added.
AHM Moin Uddin, president of the Bangladesh Association of Precursor and Solvent Manufacturers, said that a fair and responsible NBR should be established, for which the NBR chairman should resign and there should be coordination between the NBR, Bangladesh Bank and all other financial institutions.
Meanwhile, government officials have given the NBR chairman a 24-hour ultimatum to resign.
They have announced an indefinite strike from Wednesday across all VAT Commissionerates, Custom Houses, and Tax Regions nationwide, if he fails to resign.
The announcement was made jointly by Aminul Islam Akash, president of the Bangladesh Inspector of Taxes Association, and Mujibukkr Rahman, acting president of the Bangladesh Customs and VAT Officers Association, during a demonstration outside the NBR building in Dhaka’s Agargaon on Monday.
Protestors also declared plans to submit a memorandum to Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus and Finance Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed, demanding the resignation of the NBR chairman.
Businesses demand pausing LDC graduation
Businesses also demand that the new government pause the process of the graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category as they say Bangladesh is not ready to graduate right now.
Shams Mahmud said that a white paper regarding the LDC graduation has to be published as there were major discrepancies in the economic data of the country which has created questions about the authenticity of the economic reality.
He urged the government to postpone the LDC graduation process for a time being to make Bangladesh ready for graduation.
K M Iqbal, BTTLMEA President M Shahadat Hossain, BGMEA VP Abdullah Hil Rakib also echoed the same regarding the matter.
Corruption must be curbed
BKMEA Executive President Mohammad Hatem said that businesses will cooperate in curbing corruption.
“We are businessmen and we don’t have links with any political parties. We will work with the government for the betterment of the country’s economy,” he added.
Bangladesh Swing Thread Manufacturers and Exporters Association President Abul Kashem Haider urged that action be taken against corruption by forming a special tribunal. He also called for strict action against defaulters.
He also demanded reforms in all trade bodies by removing politics from there. He also called for reforms in the banking law and said the 16% interest rate is because of money laundering.
Showkat Aziz Russell, president of the BTMA, said that the hike in gas and electricity price is like a torture for them.
BGAPMEA President Al Shahriar said that as their major focuses are customs, bonds and NBR related issues, they can form a committee with all trade bodies to introduce their demands through this.
Shafiullah Chowdhury of EAB said that the safety of the factories, mutual trust and the stop of extortion should be the main priorities of the current government.
Former president of Bangladesh Terry Towel and Linen Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BTTLMEA) M Shahadat Hossain said that the export-oriented industries need to regain their images, and the value of Muhammad Yunus will play a vital role in regaining this. Shams Mahmud also echoed the same.
In his speech as chief guest, former FBCCI President Abdul Awal Mintu said that democracy is a must for accountability and transparency.
“We must look out for anyone who acquires illegal wealth through corruption. Businesses should not go along with every decision of the government but voice their opinions on important decisions as well,” he said.
BGBA President Mohammad Pavel, BFFA President Kabir Ahmed, BAYLA President Abrar Hossain Sayem, and former BGAPMEA President Rafez Alam Chowdhury also spoke at the event.