Sunday, March 16, 2025

Demands for tax, duty benefits galore

Pre-Budget Meeting Fy 2014-15
Demands for tax, duty benefits galore
Like previous years, most of the stakeholders from private sectors who attended the pre-budget discussions with the National Board of Revenue on Thursday sought tax and duty benefits in the coming national budget for the year 2014-15. Though the revenue board organises the meetings to get opinion on structural issues of revenue budget to prepare a pro-people and business-friendly budget and remove inconsistencies in tax measures, the meetings hardly help the tax authorities, officials of the NBR said.
Most of the stakeholders concentrate only on their own business areas and do not provide any suggestion on overall budget structure that do not fulfill the main objectives of the revenue board, they said.
As part of preparing the budget for 2014-15 financial year, the NBR on the day held discussions at different sessions with representatives from around 40 sectors including pharmaceuticals, toiletries, chemicals, paint, leather, cosmetics, electronics, electrical, computer, ICT and telecommunication sectors.
At a session, Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services demanded extension of corporate tax exemption for at least 10 years, withdrawal of value-added tax on information technology enabled services and transactions based on e-commerce.
Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh sought VAT exemption on internet and data transmission and duty exemption on import of transmission equipments. ISPAB president Akhtaruzzaman Manju placed the proposal.
Bangladesh Computer Samity demanded for reduction of corporate tax to 25 per cent from the current 37.5 per cent.
Telecommunication Infrastructure Operators of Bangladesh urged that the NBR should reduce tax at source on International Gateway and Interconnection Exchange to 0.60 per cent from the existing 1 per cent and 5 per cent respectively.
TIOB president Mir Nasir Hossain also sought tax holiday facility for five years for the new IGW and ICX service providers.
In a separate meeting, Bangladesh Refrigerator Manufacturers Association proposed the NBR should increase supplementary duty on import of refrigerator and freezer to 60 per cent from the current 30 per cent to give protection to local manufacturers and attract new investments in the sector.
Bangladesh Electronics Merchants Association, however, demanded the NBR should reduce duty on import of refrigerator in order to create a level playing field for importers as they have to pay 108 per cent duty on import of refrigerators while local manufacturers pay only 14 per cent taxes.
Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries demanded that the NBR should provide VAT exemption on kidney dialysis solution at production level and on import of raw materials for producing insulin, anticancer products, vaccines and contraceptive pills to make local industries capable to compete with imported medicines.
It also demanded for reduction of duties on import of empty hard gelatine capsules to 10 per cent from 30 per cent.
Bangladesh Private Medical College Association vice-president Enamur Rahman demanded that the NBR should withdraw the income tax on private medical colleges considering those as non-profitable organisations.
Bangladesh Leather, Leather Goods and Footwear Exporters Association president Abu Taher demanded for abolition of supervised bond system for the sector and introduction of general bond system providing Utilisation Declaration power to the association.
Bangladesh Jewellers Samity sought permission for importing at least 2kg gold by legal jewellers under the existing baggage rules and reduction of VAT on diamond import.
NBR chairman Ghulam Hussain and member Syed Aminul Karim presided over the different sessions.

-With New Age input

Related News

Green Delta launches Bangladesh’s first insurance for pets

Initially, the policy will cover dogs and cats Sukanta Halder Green Delta has launched the country’s first insurance for pets, which the insurer sees as a milestone for the industry. This innovative product provides crucial financial protection for beloved companion animals, covering a range of unforeseen events, including accidental injuries, critical illnesses, and specified diseases, ... Read more

Apex Bangladesh Fashion Legacy 2025 combines cultural heritage with global style trends

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Keeping pace with global fashion trends while celebrating the country’s fashion heritage, innovative designs, and sustainable production, the second edition of the “Apex Bangladesh Fashion Legacy Fashion Show 2025” was held in Dhaka. This grand event took place at the Aloki Convention Hall at 7pm on February 8. The fashion show ... Read more

Walton launches ‘AC Exchange Offer’

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Walton on Wednesday announced launch of ‘AC Exchange Offer’ in which customers can buy Walton’s new air conditioners and get 25 per cent discount in exchange of their used ACs of any brands, said a press release. The company also announced a 5-year warranty facility for some printed circuit board models ... Read more

Grand event ‘GPH Maharaj Darbar’ held by GPH Ispat

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com GPH Ispat Limited, one of the leading manufacturers of steel rebar in Bangladesh, recently organised “GPH Maharaj Darbar-2024.” A total of 185 channel partners of the company across the country participated in the two-day event, according to a press release. The company recognised top-performing partners in various categories based on their ... Read more

SMC’s 50-year journey: innovation and success

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Social Marketing Company (SMC), a not-for-profit organisation, has completed 50 years of remarkable operations in the health sector of Bangladesh. Over the past five decades, the company has achieved significant milestones by marketing innovative products and delivering essential healthcare services. SMC recently organised a programme at the InterContinental Dhaka to celebrate ... Read more

Walton receives orders amounting Tk 350 crore at ATS Expo

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Walton received orders worth around Tk 350 crore from various local and foreign companies at the “Advanced Technology Solution-ATS Expo 2024”, the country’s sole industrial expo organised by tech-giant Walton. SM Mahbubul Alam, managing director of Walton Hi-Tech Industries, provided the disclosure at the event’s closing ceremony. The three-day expo ended ... Read more

Big price drop on Walton desktops, extra 10% off for online orders

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Walton Digi-Tech Industries Limited, the leading technology product manufacturing and marketing company in Bangladesh, has come up with a huge price drop on its desktop computers. This attractive price drop is applicable on the company’s AMD Ryzen™ processor-powered Avian series desktops. Under this, customers are enjoying a minimum price drop of ... Read more

bKash wins Mastercard Excellence Awards

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com bKash, the largest mobile financial service (MFS) provider in Bangladesh, recently won an award at the “Mastercard Excellence Awards” in recognition of its exceptional contributions to advancing financial inclusion and fostering a robust digital economy. The MFS provider was awarded by the US-based digital payment provider in the digital business category ... Read more

Dhaka resident buys Marcel fridge, wins car

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Anisur Rahman, a resident of Uttarkhan, Dhaka, became the first lucky winner of a brand-new car under Marcel’s Digital Campaign Season-21, after purchasing a Marcel refrigerator. This campaign offers customers a chance to win a free car or assured gifts with the purchase of Marcel refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, and ... Read more

Banglalink teams up with Vivo to provide special data deals for youth

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Banglalink, the country’s innovative digital operator, has partnered with vivo to launch a data offer specifically designed for tech-savvy youth. This collaboration aims to provide more convenient access to various digital services and exclusive content. Aligned with the ‘Youth’s Choice Smartphone’ proposition, Banglalink is offering 18GB of free data with the ... Read more

Emirates adjudged Best Airline in the World at the ULTRAs 2024 Awards

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Emirates has once again been honored with the title of ‘Best Airline in the World’ at the esteemed ULTRAs 2024 Awards. Recognized by thousands of travelers worldwide, the airline stood out for its outstanding products, innovative services, and exceptional value-for-money experiences. Thierry Aucoc, Emirates Senior Vice President Commercial Operations in Europe ... Read more

Remittance rises in Oct, SOBs log larger share

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Remittance inflow to Bangladesh increased by more than 21 per cent in October compared with that in the same month in the past year, as expatriates favoured official channels, mainly state-owned banks, following a significant political shift in the country on August 5. Bangladesh Bank data showed that remittance inflows reached ... Read more

Oppo celebrates tenth anniversary in Bangladesh with O Fans festival

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Emphasising celebration and appreciation, OPPO, a leading global technology brand, is excited to announce its SUPER OFFER as part of the ‘O Fans Festival’ to celebrate its 10th anniversary in Bangladesh. The festival theme, “SUPER OFFER,” highlights unforgettable experiences for its dedicated fans through exclusive prizes and substantial super discounts on ... Read more

Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Council launched

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com A new think tank, Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Council (BTTC), has started its journey in a bid to create a network of professionals and businesses to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange in the local travel, tourism and hospitality sector. The council held its first meeting at a hotel in the capital ... Read more

Ethiopian airlines set to touch Dhaka’s runway

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa and part of the Star Alliance, will begin operations in Bangladesh next Sunday with its first flight on the new Addis Ababa-Dhaka route. The airline will provide five direct flights each week, giving Bangladeshi travelers access to over 155 global destinations, including major cities ... Read more

Unilever’s 15th edition of BizMaestros launches Nov 3

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com The 15th edition of BizMaestros-UFLP, the flagship business competition of Unilever Bangladesh, embodying the “Thrill of Real Business”, is all set to begin on November 3. As a leading player in the FMCG sector, Unilever Bangladesh has been at the forefront of skill development initiatives for over six decades, establishing BizMaestros ... Read more

Banglalink introduces affordable 4G Phone in partnership with Symphony

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Banglalink and Symphony have joined forces to launch the “My First 4G Phone” campaign to make 4G technology more accessible and affordable. Through this campaign, they seek to bridge the digital divide by offering high-quality 4G phones at an unbeatable price, empowering more people to benefit from fast, reliable internet connectivity.The ... Read more

Bashundhara Toiletries introduces “Alora 2in1” Hair & Body Wash: first ever in Bangladesh

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Bashundhara Toiletries announced the launch of “Alora 2-in-1” Hair and Body Wash, an innovative product designed to simplify your daily care routine. As Bangladesh’s first 2-in-1 solution for both hair and skin, Alora offers a unique blend of premium ingredients that cleanse, nourish, and revitalize. “Alora 2-in-1” is formulated with two ... Read more

350cc Royal Enfield set for Bangladesh launch on October 21

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Ifad Motors, the manufacturer and sole distributor of Royal Enfield motorcycles in Bangladesh, is gearing up to launch the iconic motorcycle brand in the country on Monday (21 October). Four models will be introduced: Bullet, Meteor, Hunter, and Classic and the bikers will have 12 different colour options at competitive prices ... Read more

Luxury car sales slow to a near-stop

Market players blame economic and political uncertainty Jagaran Chakma Sales of luxury sedans and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) have been almost nil since July this year as customers have reined in spending amid the ongoing economic downturn and sudden political changeover in Bangladesh. According to various market insiders, sales have fallen by about 95 percent ... Read more