Some of proposed VAT, tax on software will go

Some of the VAT and tax proposed on software industry in the budget for the fiscal year (FY) 2023-24 will go before finalisation, assured Prime Minister's Adviser on Private Industries and Investment Salman F Rahman.
"Actually what happened in the budget is a misunderstanding, may be they didn't understand that..we will not have that in the final budget," said Salman F Rahman while speaking at a meeting on Friday.
He viewed that some of the proposed tax in the budget is 'illogical' and that must go.
"But we can't withdraw 100 per cent," he said addressing concern of Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) President Russel T Ahmed.
The BASIS president requested him to pursue withdrawal of the proposed tax.
They were speaking at the 'Smart Bangladesh Summit and Expo' organised by JCI Bangladesh at the International Convention City Bashundhara in capital.

Speaking as the chief guest, Salman F Rahman said, "Technology is moving forward very fast. Adapting to that pace is the biggest challenge now."
Artificial intelligence is a big challenge in the world now, he observed.
He said the government can formulate a policy about how Bangladesh can work with the technology of the future.
State for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak urged the JCI members to do business not for profit only but to solve problems.
"If you can do this, you will see that you will get respect all over the world," he said.
He hoped that in the next 10 years Bangladesh will get ten startups that will be multi-million dollar entities.
He said it took 12 years to grow from a million dollar startup, three years to cash.
He added talented and brave entrepreneurs must come forward and solve the problems, only then leading startups will emerge from the country.
In his welcome speech, JCI Bangladesh Deputy National President Imran Qadir said 2.2 million youths are getting ready to enter the job market in the country.
"As the largest youth platform in the country, JCI is working with the youth population," he added.
Anir Chowdhury, policy advisor of A2I Project, presented the keynote paper on the four pillars of Smart Bangladesh.
He said in 2008 the digital services of the government were almost zero; from there, by 2023, more than 2,000 services are being provided digitally.
Highlighting Smart Citizen, Smart Government, Smart Society and Smart Economy- the key four pillars of Smart Bangladesh- in his presentation, Anir Chowdhury cited examples of various initiatives of the country and how the youths are solving various problems using them.
Mr Chowdhury said the job market of the future is changing. He emphasised creating new skills for that.
Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Barrister Samir Sattar said Bangladesh's economy has experienced remarkable improvement over the past one decade.
He added during the current regime, the country has made consistent progress, ensuring sustainable GDP growth.
"By the year 2041, Bangladesh aims to join the league of Smart Bangladesh and developed nations, building its economy on the foundation of its talented youth. Therefore, it's crucial for us to prepare for this talent-driven economy at present," he said.
Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) President Jashim Uddin said, "Seeing the current transformation, we can definitely say that Smart Bangladesh is now a matter of time."
Project Director (Additional Secretary) of Aspire Twinovate-A2I Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir said A2I is always working for Smart Bangladesh announced by the government.
"When JCI created an opportunity to introduce Smart Bangladesh at the Summit, A2I was very keen to participate," he added.
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