Computer, ICT sector suffering from customs policy anomalies

The computer and ICT sector is suffering from customs policy-related anomalies in releasing their import consignments of components, industry insiders alleged, seeking government intervention to remove the complexities.

"We hope the present government will take proper action to resolve our problems," Zahirul Islam, Chairman of Smart Technology, told a meeting titled "The ICT and Computer Sector: The Future Growth Engine" in the city on Monday evening.

"We have requested the NBR (National Board of Revenue) to remove the anomalies in the past, but it did not work on the issues," he said.

Leading entrepreneurs of the ICT and computer sector took part in the meeting, organised by Computer Solutions Inc (CSI) and its Chinese partner EKSA. ICT Secretary Sish Haider Chowdhury was present as the chief guest.

Mr Islam alleged that many entrepreneurs have invested in the hi-tech park but all of them have incurred huge losses due to frequently being harassed by the customs authorities.

The businesses have to face unbearable troubles in releasing their consignments which are being imported by the industries of the hi-tech park, he added.

Mohammad Abul Hasan, MD and CEO of the CSI, urged the government to be proactive in removing the bottlenecks as the entrepreneurs face customs-related difficulties due to the absence of HS codes of computer parts and accessories.

In his speech, The ICT secretary assured the entrepreneurs that the ministry would take necessary steps to remove the barriers of this sector, which has huge potential to be the next driver of economic growth.

He also admitted that many wrong policies were taken during the previous regime, hindering smooth grooming of the sector.

He mentioned that the project cost was inflated previously which resulted in huge economic losses for the country.

"The main task of this government is to create space and an enabling environment for the businesses and we will do that," he added.

Leon Lin, director of EKSA, and Shahidul Islam Monir, former president of Bangladesh Computer Samity, also spoke on the occasion which was followed by the launching of several products of CSI and EKSA.