No one responsible for VAT evasion will be spared, says NBR chief

National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Nojibur Rahman has warned that those evading VAT payment or collection will not be spared.

He urged the businessmen to deposit the VAT they collect ‘from the people’ to the national exchequer with transparency and honesty.

Speaking at a press conference at the NBR office in Dhaka on Thursday, Rahman said: “There are questions on how much VAT different organisations collect and whether they are depositing it.

“I wish everyone will deposit VAT to the national exchequer with transparency, accountability and honesty after collection.”

The revenue board chief alleged that many VAT evading businessmen harass and threaten officials and said: “Unscrupulous businessmen and officials dodging VAT won’t be spared.”

The press meet was convened marking the National VAT Day-2015 that falls on July 10.

NBR has been observing the National VAT Day since 2011. It also observes VAT Week beginning from the day.

The slogan of this year’s day is ‘We’ll pay VAT timely and contribute to nation building’.

Describing the introduction of the electronic cash registration (ECR) system as challenging, Rahman said: “Immense complexities have arisen in implementing the ECR system. Different organisations have made it ineffective.

“VAT intelligence has fined many businessmen for that.”

Addressing those who will pay and collect VAT, he said no irregularities would be tolerated.

The NBR chief urged VAT officials to work sincerely.

NBR officials said a countrywide campaign would be conducted, marking the VAT Day.