Talks on VAT: Muhith, businessmen exchange heated words

A forum of businessmen today exchanged heated words with Finance Minister AMA Muhith centering Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI)'s proposal on VAT.

The argument took place at a meeting jointly organised by National Board of Revenue (NBR) and Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Dhaka this noon.

The argument started when Abu Motaleb, general secretary of Businessman Unity Forum, alleged that NBR and FBCCI jointly worked on VAT system but this shows no result.

No initiatives were taken to train the businessmen in this regard, the general secretary alleged.

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The government delayed the implementation of the new VAT law in the face of protest from small and medium businesses, Motaleb said.

"Now you are placing the budget again. If we have to take to the streets like students, then you (government) will fail," he added.  

In reply, Muhith said, "If you wage movement we will stop it."

Only 32,000, out of eight lakh VAT registered firms, submit the VAT returns, he said.

The minister's speech created a chaotic situation as businessmen started shouting at him.

Later, Muhith said Motaleb cannot talk like this and he should withdraw his comments.