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Additional VAT is Better Than Under-the-Table Transactions: Finance Adviser
Rtv News
27 Jan 2025, 16:00
Photo: Collected
Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed emphasized that paying additional VAT is a better option than engaging in under-the-table transactions. He also highlighted that significant reforms are underway. "I recall once having to pay a 20,000 taka bribe to secure a telephone line. To combat such bribery, we are committed to ongoing reforms in tax policies and VAT management," he stated.
Dr Ahmed made these comments during a seminar titled "Reforms in Customs, Income Tax, and VAT Management to Address LDC Graduation," held at the NEC conference room in the city on Monday, January 27.
Explaining the purpose behind the increased VAT, the Economic Adviser said, "While additional VAT is being charged, it will bring broader benefits. Business owners will no longer have to make extra payments in various sectors. This will be limited to VAT, and this is the focus of our reform efforts. For instance, truck fares from Dhaka to Bogura have already decreased. We ask for your patience. The extra VAT is being used to fund the Matarbari port project and other development initiatives. We are not enriching ourselves with this VAT; it is being invested in the welfare of the people."
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Mushfiqul Fazal Ansari Named Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico
The government has decided to appoint M Mushfiqul Fazal Ansari, a Special Officer on Special Duty with the rank of Senior Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as Bangladesh's new Ambassador to Mexico.
This decision was outlined in an office order signed by Mohammad Nazmul Haque, Director General (Administration) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on December 9. The order was officially published on Sunday (December 29).
The office order states that Mushfiqul Fazal Ansari will serve as Bangladesh's Ambassador to Mexico, stationed at the Bangladesh Embassy in Mexico City, until further notice.
On October 21, the interim government appointed journalist Mushfiqul Fazal Ansari as an ambassador. To facilitate his appointment as an ambassador with the rank of Senior Secretary, his employment was transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Government Directive on Tablighi Jamaat Sparks Saad Faction's Response
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a new notification regarding the overnight activities (Shabguzari) and the maintenance of peace and order at the Kakrail Mosque, a central hub for the Tablighi Jamaat in Bangladesh. In response, media coordinator for the Saad followers of Tablighi Jamaat, Md. Sayem, expressed hope for a fair resolution from the government on matters concerning Kakrail Mosque.
The notification, signed by Deputy Secretary Dr. Mohammad Abdul Salam, was issued on Sunday (December 29).
It stated that followers of Maulana Mohammad Jubayer and Maulana Saad should continue their respective Tablighi Jamaat activities in the mosques they have been using at the district and sub-district levels to maintain peace and order.
Md. Sayem, representing the Saad followers, alleged, "The Jubayer group is occupying various markaz (centers) and mosques across the country, obstructing our activities, committing severe injustices, and perpetrating mob justice and massacres nationwide. We hope the notification will address these issues promptly. We are optimistic that the administration will step in to resolve these complexities and play a sincere role. We urge them to avoid destabilizing the country and retreat from fratricidal religious conflict. Such actions are incompatible with Tablighi principles and diminish Islam's stature."
He further appealed to the government to ensure the basic and religious freedoms of all citizens impartially. "We are willing to sit down with both parties and responsible government officials to reach a resolution, as we have always sought to end this religious conflict," he said.
Additionally, he demanded the withdrawal of false cases filed against senior Tablighi elders and the unconditional release of Tablighi leaders, Shaikhul Hadith Maulana Zia Bin Qasem and Mufti Muaz Bin Noor, who have been unjustly detained.
Fireworks at 31st Night May Lead to Jail or Fines
To prevent harmful noise pollution and air pollution affecting public health and biodiversity on New Year's Eve, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change will conduct mobile courts to stop activities such as fireworks, firecrackers, and sky lanterns.
This information was provided in a press release signed by Deputy Chief Information Officer Dipankar Bar on Monday (December 30).
According to the release, under the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006, these activities are punishable offenses. For a first-time offense, the punishment can include one month of imprisonment, a fine of 5,000 BDT, or both. Repeated offenses can result in six months of imprisonment, a fine of 10,000 BDT, or both.
The release further mentioned that fireworks and firecrackers contribute to noise and air pollution. Excessive noise pollution increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and mental stress. Additionally, sky lanterns can lead to fire hazards and harm biodiversity.
Highlighting the ministry's initiative, it was stated that letters have been sent to Dhaka's clubs and various organizations, urging them to refrain from fireworks, firecrackers, and sky lanterns during the New Year celebrations. Everyone is requested to abstain from these harmful activities in the interest of public welfare.
Hindu Candidates Not Barred from Govt Jobs: Press Wing
Recently, a claim was made by a social media account named "Times Algebra" on X (formerly Twitter) that the Government of Bangladesh has barred Hindu candidates from government jobs. However, the Chief Advisor's (CA) Press Wing Facts has stated that this claim is completely false and fabricated.
On Thursday (January 2), this clarification was made through a post on the verified Facebook page of the Press Wing Facts.
The statement emphasized that the Government of Bangladesh does not discriminate against any citizen based on religion. It also noted that the quoted statement attributed to the Home Affairs Advisor in the post is baseless.
The post by "Times Algebra" alleged that the Government of Bangladesh has issued a new order prohibiting Hindus from joining government jobs. It further claimed that more than 1,500 applications from Hindu candidates were rejected for positions ranging from constables to high-ranking police officers.
Plan to Integrate Metro Rail Payments with 'Alap Pay'
The state-owned Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) is planning to integrate metro rail and other utility payments into its digital wallet, "Alap Pay." The initiative aims to offer customers a seamless, single-window platform for various utility payment services, according to a report by BSS.
BTCL’s Managing Director, Md. Anwar Hossain, stated that the company envisions a future where payments for services like metro rail, flyovers, and bridges can be made through the Alap wallet.
Additionally, BTCL plans to expand Alap Pay’s capabilities to include the payment of electricity and water bills.
Officials involved in the initiative mentioned that BTCL is in discussions with Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) to determine how these services can be integrated.
Alap Pay was initially developed to allow customers to pay their landline bills more conveniently. In March 2021, BTCL launched "Alap," an over-the-top (OTT) calling application, which offers unique customer numbers to make calls to any mobile or landline number.
How to Download Online Versions of Textbooks from NCTB
The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) has made textbooks for the 2025 academic year available online, enabling students to access them easily.
Follow these five simple steps to download your textbooks:
Visit the NCTB Website
Open a web browser and go to nctb.gov.bd (Click here to download- nctb.gov.bd).
Access the Textbook List
Check the notice board for a detailed link to the 2025 textbook list, or navigate to the "Textbooks" menu to find the list.
Select Your Education Level
Choose your section:
Pre-primary and Primary Level
Secondary and Higher Secondary Level
Pick Your Grade
Select your specific grade level from the available options.
Download Your Textbook
Find the textbook you need and click the "Download" link beside its name.
This simple process ensures students and educators can conveniently access the required resources for the new academic year.
CA Witnesses Bangladesh Army Winter Manoeuvre Exercise in Rajbari
Dr Muhammad Yunus, the interim government's chief adviser, visited Rajbari on Sunday (January 5) to observe the winter exercise of the Bangladesh Army's Infantry Brigade Group. The exercise is organized by the 55th Infantry Division and conducted in the Char Khapura and Char Ramnagar areas of the Rajbari Military Training Area (RMTA) in Kalukhali Upazila.
Dr Yunus departed Dhaka by helicopter at 11:54 am, arriving at Char Khapura's helipad at 12:36 pm. Upon arrival at the exercise site, he was greeted by Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hasan, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, and Major General J M Imdadul Islam, GOC of the 55th Infantry Division and Area Commander of Jessore.
The exercise showcases the capabilities of the Bangladesh Army, featuring advanced tanks, APCs, artillery, infantry, engineers, commandos, and other arms and services. The Bangladesh Air Force is also participating with fighter jets, helicopters, Army Aviation aircraft, and paratroopers.
Dr Yunus is scheduled to observe the manoeuvres for about an hour, followed by a closing speech. The event is attended by other advisers, senior armed forces officials, and media representatives.
This visit was originally planned for January 2 but was rescheduled due to heavy fog and adverse weather conditions that prevented the helicopter from taking off.
