Dhaka-based journalist following crime and human rights situation in Bangladesh. Currently working with The Daily Star, the largest circulated English national daily in the country.

Bangladesh govt must look into Chattogram customs

17 Mar 2020  |  Medium  |  English  |  Public Sector Accountability

The article by Adnan Akib highlights the financial mismanagement and irregularities at Customs House Chattogram, Bangladesh. It discusses how the agency neglected its duty to monitor the outer anchorage of Chattogram port for nine years, leading to a waste of Tk 5 crore on repairing patrol boats that never became operational. The article raises concerns about the lack of accountability within government agencies, particularly the National Board of Revenue (NBR), which oversees Bangladesh Customs. The author emphasizes the risks posed by unchecked smuggling and other criminal activities due to the customs' failure to inspect vessels. The article calls for immediate government action to address these issues and hold officials responsible for the oversight accountable.

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National Board of Revenue (NBR) Customs House Chattogram

AZM Anas is an award-winning business and development journalist. Currently, he works for Bangladesh's lone English language business daily The Financial Express as an economic editor. In his 15-year-plus career, he also worked for The Independent and The New Nation. Abu holds a masters in English ...

Dwoha Chowdhury is a journalist based in Sylhet, Bangladesh. An earnest person who loves to adjust passion with profession. A journalist's life is simple yet challenging and I always follow the path my heart dictates. Love solitude, yet compatible with the team. Love to take up new challenges every ...

More rice import to boost reserve

07 Jan 2021  |  The Daily Star  |  English  |  Economic Measures

The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase approved a proposal to procure 2.5 lakh tonnes of rice to boost food grain reserves, which have decreased significantly from the previous year. The government plans to import a total of 10 lakh tonnes of rice from various countries, with recent approvals for imports from India and Singapore. The price of rice has surged in both retail and wholesale markets, particularly affecting low-income groups. The Food Ministry is also considering reducing import tariffs to facilitate these imports, with the National Board of Revenue reviewing the proposal.

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National Board of Revenue Trading Corporation of Bangladesh Directorate of Food Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase Food Ministry

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Umar Farooq is a multimedia journalist based in Peshawar, Pakistan. He has extensive experience working in conflict zones. He has expertise in reporting on Pakistan-Afghan-US affairs and militancy۔

Malice Towards None & All: Self-Governance & Fiscal Decentralization

10 Feb 2024  |  thefridaytimes.com  |  English  |  Tax Policy

The article discusses the need for fiscal decentralization in Pakistan, emphasizing the unimplemented Article 140A of the Constitution which mandates local government autonomy. It criticizes the federal government for over-centralizing fiscal powers and not allowing provinces to levy sales tax on goods, leading to their financial dependence. The article suggests learning from Finland's successful model of municipal self-governance and fiscal independence. It highlights the Federal Board of Revenue's failure to tap into the country's tax potential and the resulting economic strain on provinces. The author calls for true provincial autonomy, ownership of resources, and the right to generate and utilize revenue for local welfare, drawing parallels with Finland's system of universal entitlements through municipalities.

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National Finance Commission Federal Board of Revenue Election Commission of Pakistan

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Bilal Hussain is an independent journalist and columnist with a wealth of experience in covering South Asia, and the Middle East with a particular emphasis on the socio-political landscape of Kashmir. His reporting has been featured in prominent news outlets and organizations such as Voice of ...

Restructuring of FBR: Customs to be separated from revenue collection mechanism, says Dr Shamshad

16 Nov 2023  |  Brecorder  |  English  |  Government Restructuring

The Pakistani government, led by Caretaker Finance Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, is implementing significant restructuring measures in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to eliminate conflicts of interest and enhance tax collection efficiency. Key reforms include separating Customs from revenue collection, adopting digital technologies to broaden the tax base, and collaborating with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) for data system upgrades. The government is also revisiting the devolution process with provinces to improve public expenditure efficiency. Additionally, efforts are underway to stabilize the economy through the IMF's Stand-By Arrangement and attract foreign investment via the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). The Raast Payment Gateway and Buna are highlighted as pivotal projects for financial inclusion and cross-border payments.

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National Database and Registration Authority Federal Board of Revenue International Monetary Fund World Bank Special Investment Facilitation Council

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Shamsuddin Illius is an award-winning investigative journalist based in Chittagong, Bangladesh. He is the Chittagong Bureau Chief at The Business Standard and writes for AFP as a stringer. His stories are rooted in climate change, environment, biodiversity, climate migration and Rohingya refugee. 
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BM Container Depot operated flouting regulations

06 Jun 2022  |  The Business Standard  |  English  |  Safety Violations

The BM Container Depot in Sitakunda, Chattogram, has been operating in violation of local and international safety regulations, leading to a deadly fire and explosion that resulted in 41 deaths and over 200 injuries. Regulatory bodies, including the National Board of Revenue, Chattogram Customs House, and the Department of Explosives, have been criticized for their lack of oversight and enforcement. The depot failed to adhere to safety protocols for storing hazardous materials, lacked proper infrastructure, and did not train employees in safety measures. Despite previous incidents and ongoing violations, no significant actions have been taken against such depots, highlighting systemic issues in regulatory compliance and enforcement.

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Department of Explosives National Board of Revenue BM Container Depot Chattogram Customs House Fire Service and Civil Defence Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association

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Jahidul Islam is a journalist based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

What needs to be done now?

08 May 2022  |  The Business Standard  |  English  |  Fiscal Policy

Bangladesh's economy is grappling with soaring commodity prices driven by volatile global markets and a rising US dollar. Experts suggest that while the country cannot control global market conditions, it can implement monetary and fiscal policies to manage domestic demand. Recommendations include adjusting policy rates, making lending rate caps flexible, and avoiding expansionary monetary policies until inflation subsides. Fiscal measures should focus on reducing the budget deficit and expanding the tax net without harassing taxpayers. The government is urged to mobilize resources for subsidies, expand the TCB sales network, and address discrepancies in foreign exchange rates. Additionally, experts emphasize the need for pragmatic exchange rate policies and careful management of imports to protect forex reserves. Social safety nets should be strengthened to support the poor, with a preference for cash aid over goods to reduce corruption and inefficiencies.

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National Board of Revenue Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Bangladesh Bank BIDS

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Zahra Kazmi is a Pakistani investigative journalist and researcher specializing in the Pak-Afghan region, with a focus on militancy, enforced disappearances, human rights abuses, and minority issues. Her work appears in international outlets including taz.de (German), DW (English), TheFridayTimes, ...

Kaswar KLasra is a journalist from Pakistan with more than 19 years experience in print and electronic ( Tv & radio). Currently, Kaswar Klasra is working with The Islamabad Telegraph. 

During 19 years of journalism, Mr Klasra worked as Reporter for a number of publications and TV channels ...

Defunct power stations have cost the country Rs 72 billion

28 Jan 2019  |  dailytimes.com.pk  |  English  |  Energy Sector

Defunct power stations of Northern Power Generation Company Limited (GENCO-3) have caused a loss of Rs 72 billion to Pakistan's national exchequer, according to a special report. The report highlights the non-utilization of plants and land worth Rs 25.3 billion, non-generation of energy worth Rs 15 billion, and other financial mismanagements. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has also expressed concerns over the poor performance of public sector generation companies, estimating a loss of more than 15 billion electricity units last year.

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National Electric Power Regulatory Authority Federal Board of Revenue Directorate General of Audit Power Northern Power Generation Company Limited

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Faisal Mahmud is a journalist with over a decade of experience in working with three national English daily newspapers of Bangladesh—The Independent, Dhaka Tribune and The Business Standard.  Before switching his career to professional journalism, Faisal worked in the IT industry for two years. He ...

Flawed taxation puts Bangladesh among largest tobacco-consuming nations

01 Oct 2023  |  Muslims in Italy struggle to bury victims of the pandemic  |  English  |  Public Health

Bangladesh's flawed taxation policy has made tobacco products more affordable over the years, contributing to the country's high tobacco consumption rates. Despite price increases, the portion of income spent on cigarettes has decreased due to the government's failure to align taxes with economic growth. Experts and advocacy groups argue that the current tiered ad valorem tax system incentivizes smokers to switch to cheaper brands, undermining efforts to reduce tobacco use. They recommend a uniform specific supplementary duty to curb consumption and increase government revenue. However, strong political and economic pressures from the tobacco industry hinder significant policy changes. The article highlights the health and economic costs of tobacco use, urging for effective taxation reforms to achieve a tobacco-free Bangladesh by 2040.

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National Anti-tobacco Platform of Bangladesh National Board of Revenue (NBR) Bangladesh Government American Cancer Society Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK)

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Akanda Muhammad Jahid is a journalist based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Private coal power plants to avail tax exemption till 2039

05 Oct 2023  |  The Daily Star  |  English  |  Energy Production

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has extended the income tax exemption for private coal-fired power producers by 15 years, provided they start electricity generation by June 30 next year. This extension follows recommendations from the power, energy, and mineral resources ministry due to delays in production. Producers who signed agreements by June 30, 2020, will qualify for the tax waiver until June 30, 2039. The NBR will also exempt income tax for foreign employees at these plants for three years and offer concessions on foreign loans, royalties, technical fees, and share transfers. This move supports the government's goal of expanding energy production capacity, which reached 27,834 megawatts last month.

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National Board of Revenue Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry

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Salman Siddiqui is an experienced journalist based in Berlin, Germany.

As an experienced English news/content editor, writer, and podcaster, he has over a decade of experience in the journalism industry. He lived and worked in various countries including Germany, Turkey, Cyprus, Qatar, Pakistan ...

Action plan in place for FBR restructuring

26 Oct 2023  |  The Express Tribune  |  English  |  Economic Policy

The caretaker government has developed an action plan to restructure the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) by separating Customs from revenue collection and splitting the FBR into two divisions: revenue collection and policymaking. This aims to increase tax receipts, document the informal economy, and reduce reliance on borrowing. The government plans to deploy technology to increase taxpayer numbers and minimize tax policy gaps, working closely with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). The restructuring is part of broader economic reforms, including mobilizing new investments through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and achieving political stability and institutional strengthening.

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National Database and Registration Authority Federal Board of Revenue International Monetary Fund Special Investment Facilitation Council

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Derrick Silimina is a journalist based in Lusaka, Zambia.

MSME Business clinic takes off in Kalumbila

04 Nov 2023  |  solwezitoday.com  |  English  |  Economic Growth

The MSME Business Clinic in Kalumbila, organized by the Zambia Development Agency and First Quantum Minerals Trident Foundation Limited, aims to foster business growth and entrepreneurship in the region. The event, held from November 4-6, 2023, features various institutions and focuses on sustainable partnerships for MSME growth. Key speakers, including Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Elias Mubanga and ZDA Assistant Director Samson Simwanda, emphasized the importance of small businesses in economic development and the role of public-private partnerships. The clinic provides participants with essential knowledge, tools, and networks to succeed in the business world.

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National Health Insurance Scheme Workers Compensation Fund Control Board Zambia Bureau of Standards Zambia Revenue Authority Zambia Development Agency First Quantum Minerals Trident Foundation Limited Patents and Companies Registration

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I am a freelance journalist with 20  years of experience. Great storytelling and exceptional communication skills and a nose for the truth as well as an excellent track record as a reporter in both print and digital media. Seeking to leverage skills and experience to contribute to high quality ...