Expert-led assessment may help bridge tax gap: Stakeholders tell BCI workshop

Bridging the divide between taxpayers and tax authorities, expert-led tax assessments, and greater private-sector involvement in policymaking are crucial steps to enhance the country's tax administration, experts said at a workshop on Saturday.

The event underscored the ongoing challenges businesses face with Customs and VAT regulations and emphasised collaboration as the key to smoother compliance.

This was observed at a training workshop, 'Pragmatic Aspects of Customs and VAT Related Rules and Regulations,' organised by the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) at its office in the city's Tejgaon area.

Abdul Hai Sarker, Chairman of the Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB), attended the event as the chief guest, while BCI President Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez) chaired the session, according to a statement.

Tariq Hassan, First Secretary of Customs at the National Board of Revenue (NBR), and Barrister Badruzzaman Munshi, Second Secretary (VAT Law and Regulations) at NBR, were the key speakers and trainers. Also present was BCI Director Delowar Hossain Raja. The discussion was moderated by BCI Secretary General Dr Md Helal Uddin.

BCI President Parvez said the workshop was part of a continuing series of orientation and training sessions focusing on key laws and policies related to industrialisation, foreign trade, and other relevant matters.

"There remains a lack of sufficient understanding of Customs and VAT issues, which often leads to difficulties for business owners," he noted.

Abdul Hai Sarker remarked that a gap exists between taxpayers and tax collectors. "Reducing this gap would help improve tax collection and overall administration," he added.

Drawing on his own business experience, he emphasised the importance of raising awareness among businesses about key issues related to the NBR.

He also expressed the view that involving the private sector in policymaking processes is extremely important. Subsequently, technical sessions on the subject took place.

A total of 30 representatives from various organisations and sectors participated in the workshop.

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