Finance Minister AMA Muhith has said the government is likely to consider introducing 'user tax' after gradual decline of revenue earnings from the Customs wing.
The new type of tax may be introduced in the near future to offset loss of import revenue, he said.
The user tax could be imposed on obtaining different services as the government's revenue is likely to go down from the Customs sources by next 15 to 20 years.
"We are paying minimum tax on water supply, health services and education. It can be hiked to increase the revenue earnings," he said.
The finance minister made these comments at a programme ogranised at the city's Officers' Club on occasion of celebration of the International Customs Day-2013.
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) observed the day with a theme 'Communication: sharing information for better cooperation.'
Attorney General Mahbubey Alam and Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) president Kazi Akramuddin Ahmed attended the programme.
NBR member (customs) Md Nasiruddin chaired the programme while Dhaka bond commissioner Dr Shahidul Islam delivered address of welcome in the function. Commissioner of the Pangaon customs house Masudul Kabir presented the key-note paper.
As a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Bangladesh has to shift dependency on import tax to ease trade among the member- countries.
"The government is formulating an easy Customs law to make it business-friendly. It is now at the final stage. Opinion of private sector will be sought in this regard," the finance minister said.
Collection of Customs duty and release of goods will be expedited after introduction of the new law, he added.
He said Customs duty collection marked a record growth in the last five years.
Attorney General Mahbubey Alam alleged that some businessmen are reluctant to pay Customs duty.
"Some businessmen take recourse to law to evade tax with lame excuses," he said.
They import higher value products under wrong HS codes leading to Customs officials' refusal to clear the goods in question. Then they go to the court with this issue, he said.
Mr Alam suggested the government to appoint a permanent Customs official to fight the legal battle with businesses.
He also alleged that some corrupt Customs officials had made huge wealth through irregularities.
"Their wealth should be brought under scrutiny. They should submit their wealth statements to the relevant ministry," he said.
In the programme, the finance minister handed over special awards to 20 Customs officials for their outstanding contribution.
