Dhaka: Member (Customs-Policy and ICT) of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Muhammad Mubinul Kabir, today highlighted the critical role of Value Added Tax (VAT) in Bangladesh's taxation system. Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar marking VAT Day and VAT Week, Kabir underscored the moral responsibility of every citizen to pay VAT properly to ensure the nation's ongoing development and prosperity.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the seminar, held at a city hotel under the theme "We will register on time, we will pay VAT properly," brought together business persons and the general public. Kabir emphasized the collective efforts required to build a stronger and more sustainable national economy. He urged business owners to educate their customers on the importance of paying VAT during purchases and to encourage voluntary compliance.
Kabir also stressed the necessity of depositing VAT collected from customers into the government treasury promptly and through appropriate procedures. "VAT collected from customers should not be treated as a trader's own money; depositing it in the revenue exchequer on time is also a matter of honesty," he added.
The event was presided over by Kazi Muhammad Ziauddin, Commissioner of Khulna Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate. Other notable speakers included Sheikh Md Moniruzzaman, Commissioner of Khulna Tax Zone; M. Safiuzzaman, Commissioner of Mongla Custom House; and Md Sarowar Hossain Chowdhury, Commissioner of Khulna Tax Appeal Zone.
SM Sohel Rahman, Commissioner of Customs, Excise and VAT (Appeal), presented the keynote paper, while Additional Commissioner Mohammad Selim Sheikh of Khulna Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate, delivered the welcome address. VAT-payers Md Fazlur Rahman and Shankar Karmakar also shared their perspectives at the seminar.
The event saw the participation of government officials, business leaders, and VAT-payers. VAT Week, intended to promote awareness and compliance, will continue until December 15.