None to be poor by paying tax: Nasir

CHATTOGRAM, Nov 14: None will be poor by paying tax. Payment of tax increases the trade and commerce legally.

Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor A J M Nasir Uddin said this while addressing the inaugural function of the weeklong divisional tax fair as the chief guest today in the port city.

Commissioner of Tax Zone-2 and Convener of the tax fair G M Abul Kalam Kaikobad chaired the inaugural programme at the GEC Convention Centre.

Mayor Nasir said the income tax fair will remove reluctance and hesitation in people's mind over payment of tax. They have to change their mindset to pay the tax, he said.

Nobody will be poor by paying tax, he said. Payment of tax increases trade and commerce legally, said the mayor.

He said, "We are living in an independent country. So, our dream has no bound. We can realise our boundless dreams by our patriotism, planning and goodwill.

"Once upon a time we were poor country. Foreigners called us bottomless basket. Presently, we are the role model of development in the world which was possible because of the leadership of (Prime Minister) Sheikh Hasina," he said.

Now, Bangladesh is an excellence of economic development, he further said.

He said, "once upon a time, people of Bangladesh were being harassed at the immigration department as citizen of a poor country. But, now, the people of Bangladesh are being honoured at the airports with our green passports."

Collecting tax and revenue is the right of the state, he said, adding "If we (regularly) pay taxes, the country will be developed."

Member of National Board of Ravenue Sayed Golam Kibria, Commissioner of Customs Mohammed Enamul Haque and President of Chattogram Taxes Bar Association Mohammed Jamal Uddin attended the function as special guests and also spoke.

Sayed Mohammed Abu Daud of the Tax Appellate Tribunal, Tax Commissioners Ikbal Hossain, Md Mahabubur Rahman, Mofij Ullah and Commissioner of the Tax Appeal Zone Helal Uddin Sikdar were present as guests of honour.

At total of 46 booths have been set up for separate tax zones ay yje benue, including ETin registration booth for new tax payers and separate booths for senior citizens, women and people with disabilities.

The tax payers can deposit their taxes at the booths of the Sonali Bank, Janata and Basic Bank at the fair. Besides, all can pay their tax by E-payment and fill-up of returns at the fair.

Meanwhile, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) accorded a reception to the highest 38 taxpayers here as recognition of their contribution to increase the national revenue.

They were accorded reception in four categories - highest

tax payers, long time tax payers, highest women tax payers and youth recognised tax payers.

Four separate zonal Income Tax Offices of Chattogram region hosted the divisional level reception at the same venue with the main objective to inspire the taxpayers in paying more tax and creating new tax payees.

Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud attended the function as the chief guest and handed over certificates and crests to the best tax payers of Chattogram zone.

A huge number of taxpayers, including civil society members, business leaders, professionals and tax lawyers were present.

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