Review some fiscal measures in budget

Terming the proposed budget 'frustrating' for the women entrepreneurs, the Association of Grassroots Women Entrepreneurs, Bangladesh (AGWEB) requested the government to review some of its fiscal measures to encourage women's participation in the economic activities.
AGWEB in a statement Friday said the size of the budget has increased, but the government's assurance of women development is ignored in it.   
The association requested the government to use some of the allocations proposed for social safety, education and technology sectors for development of women.
The women entrepreneurs should be kept outside of the 'super tax' purview as proposed in the budget, the statement added. The budget proposed 30 per cent tax for the business entities with an annual turnover of more than Tk 44,20,000.
AGWEB also asked for a block allocation worth Tk 3.0 billion and launching a separate bank for women entrepreneurs.
It also urged the government to introduce gender budget in all ministries, ensure women empowerment, raise tax-free ceiling to Tk 3,00,000 from Tk 2,50,000, increase the central bank's monitoring over commercial banks, set up more economic zones, and ensure housing facility and training centres for women.
The organisation's demands also included 10 per cent allocation for women entrepreneurs in the Kaliakoir ICT Park.