Business leaders decry ‘customs harassment’, demand urgent reforms
NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan assured the business leaders that their legitimate concerns would be addressed and directed officials to take immediate action
Business leaders have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the alleged harassment by customs officials, labeling it an "atrocity" and demanding immediate action to reduce such practices.
During a pre-budget meeting held at the National Board of Revenue (NBR) headquarters in Agargaon today (19 March), representatives from various sectors voiced their concerns.
Ali Nawaz, a representative of the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceuticals Industries (BAPI), said, "Customs atrocities are increasing day by day. We want relief from this."
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He further explained that even minor errors in the Import General Manifest (IGM) submitted by airlines or shipping lines result in customs officials restricting the release of essential raw materials, compelling businesses to clear goods by paying fines.
"If we attempt to contest or refuse to pay these fines, our consignments get stuck at the port, leading to additional demurrage charges and disruptions in production," he said.
The Import General Manifest (IGM) is a document submitted by shipping lines or airlines to customs authorities before a vessel or aircraft arrives, detailing the cargo on board.
Ali Nawaz, who also chairs BAPI's Budget Committee, raised additional concerns about the retrospective imposition of import taxes.
"Customs officials enforce these measures for their own benefit," he alleged.
BAPI leaders pointed out delays in implementing import tax exemptions approved by the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA), resulting in additional tax burdens.
NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan, who presided over the meeting, assured the business leaders that their legitimate concerns would be addressed and directed officials to take immediate action.
Speaking at the meeting, Mohammad Zulfikar, secretary general of the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB), called for a reduction in the corporate tax rate for telecom operators, which he noted is among the highest, totaling approximately 58%.
"This sector plays a crucial role in the country's communication and information technology infrastructure, ultimately benefiting the economy," he said.
He also requested a relaxation of the requirement for Proof of Submission of Tax Return (PSR).
Business leaders further raised concerns about the high effective tax rate, which forces them to pay taxes even when incurring losses.
In response, the NBR chairman assured them that a mechanism would be established to allow advance deducted taxes to be carried forward to the following year.
