Dhaka:The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has initiated a coordinated operation at four establishments in Dhaka to investigate allegations of illegal sourcing of alcohol and alcohol-based products, as well as possible evasion of customs duties, VAT, and income tax.
According to United News of Bangladesh, intelligence reports suggested that some bars, restaurants, diplomatic bonded warehouses, and duty-free shops in Dhaka have been procuring alcohol from illegal sources and evading taxes. In response, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) formed four teams to conduct the operation.
Officials from several units, including the NBR's Income Tax Intelligence and Investigation Unit, Central Intelligence Cell (CIC), VAT Audit, Intelligence and Investigation Directorate, and Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate, Dhaka (North), are participating in the inspections. These teams are performing physical inspections, searches, and verification of stocks and documents, taking products into custody if necessary.
The investigation is currently focused on Raw Canvas Restaurant, Habib Hotel International, Margarita Lounge, and Fu-Wang Bowling and Services Ltd. Authorities are examining the stocks of alcohol and related documents to ensure payment of applicable duties and taxes and to verify the legality of the products.
The NBR aims to verify the allegations of illegal sourcing and tax evasion while ensuring that products are supplied to authorized customers in compliance with existing regulations.