More cases against large tax evaders under process

FE Team | Published: June 14, 2007 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00

FE Report
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has initiated a move to file more cases against large tax evaders within a short time.
"The board is preparing itself to file 15 to 16 more cases against the large tax evaders within a short period," the NBR Chairman Badiur Rahman told the newsmen after a meeting with the national task force on combating serious crimes.
The large tax evaders who will be facing NBR cases include Amanullah Aman, Mahbuba Sultana, wife of Mosaddek Ali Falu, Wadud Bhuiyan, Ruhul Kuddus Dulu and Mirza Abbas, according to sources.
He said the board has the authority to file cases against those who concealed income, submitted wrong wealth statements and evaded tax.
Sources concerned said a number of big fishes are on the list of the board who will be facing the charge of tax evasion.
The board filed first case against former BNP lawmaker Ali Asgar Lobi for evading a large amount of tax.
On May 23, the NBR filed the case against Lobi for evading tax amounting to Tk 42.5 million (4.25 crore) in fiscal 2006-07.
The trial of a tax evasion case against the former lawmaker began at a special court on June 7 last.
The task force and the NBR have discussed the priority areas of action in the meeting.
"We have discussed about the three-priority issues in the meeting --ways to extend increased assistance to the task force, removing confusion about the 'grey' area and establishing mutual understanding to help maintain team-spirit among different bodies," the NBR chief said.
Explaining 'gray' area, he said: "There is a space between the black and the white areas called grey area. This particular area creates confusion among the people whether it is right or wrong."
The board has explained clearly its authority for taking punitive actions, including that against tax evaders, and conducting raids and seizures.
Asked about the legalisation of undisclosed money, the NBR chairman said: "The government has offered the opportunity for white or legally earned money."
The NBR, he said, has the authority under law to seek information on bank accounts but it is also bound to maintain secrecy about its findings.
He informed newsmen that no tax-related cases against two former prime ministers were under scrutiny of the NBR.
The NBR Chairman said incidents of smuggling of unearned income out of the country have declined significantly in recent time."