The council of advisers of the interim government approved a proposal scrapping the existing 7.5-percent VAT on imports of oceangoing vessels of capacities above 5,000-deadweight tonnage (DWT), aiming to spur seaborne trade.
Chief Adviser's Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, disclosed the decision at a press briefing after Thursday's council meeting that also reviewed progress on reforms undertaken following last year's regime change through uprising.
"The council feels that this move (on lifting the value-added tax or VAT on shipping-vessel imports) will boost the seaborne trade of the country," he told reporters.
In the meeting, the interim cabinet reviewed the progress in implementation of the reform proposals recommended by the reform commissions.
The meeting was informed that 51 of the recommendations of the Reform Commission had already been implemented, and more work would follow.
"Before this government leaves office, most of the reforms will be carried out," the press secretary said about the council resolve.
He said that, in addition, the Labour Adviser from the Ministry of Labour informed that if amendments are made to the law in line with 82 recommendations of the Labour Reform Commission, most of the recommendations would "automatically be implemented".
"The Labour Ministry is working on amending the law and has already undertaken many reform initiatives on its own. Some reforms are political in nature, and those will have to wait for a political government." The Press Secretary said that at the Advisory Council meeting, there was extensive discussion on local- government reforms.
"The Chief Adviser repeatedly emphasised how decentralisation of local government can be achieved. There was also discussion on enabling local-government institutions to raise their own funds."
He further said the Ministry of Law has been tasked with police reform, particularly establishing an 'Independent Investigation Service' so that police investigations can be conducted independently, free from political or other external influence.
"A law will be enacted very soon for this purpose. It was also proposed to set up an internal complaints commission to deal with allegations against the police."
The Press Secretary added that, since the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) election was held peacefully, the Home Affairs Adviser was thanked during the Advisory Council meeting.
The meeting also discussed the situation in Nepal, where the government was toppled in a youth-led uprising. The Foreign Affairs Adviser said, "The Air Force has provided a special aircraft. We expect that Bangladeshis will return today. The airport in Nepal has been partially reopened, and our embassy there is taking care of Bangladeshi nationals."
Shafiqul Alam also noted council concern that some medical colleges are facing a shortage of qualified teachers. "To improve the quality of education in medical colleges, discussions were held on how to bring back retired teachers to fill the critical gaps."
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com
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