Finance Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali has urged law-abiding traders to be encouraged to collect revenue and take strict action against dishonest traders.
On the occasion of International Customs Day, the Finance Minister made this request while addressing a function organized at the National Board of Revenue (NBR) building at Agargaon in the capital on Friday (January 26).
He said, preventing money laundering under the guise of trade is one of the main responsibilities of customs. It is very important to enhance the capacity of the customs to fulfill this responsibility. Custom should pay special attention to this aspect.
Mahmud Ali said that customs is providing revenue on the one hand, while on the other hand it is playing an important role in the security of the country. Facilitation of trade should play an important role in creating a business-friendly and investment-friendly environment in the country.
He said, there is no alternative to using modern intelligence and blockchain. Through the use of these technologies, custom should become smart custom. Must be competent in revenue collection and state security.
Special guest of the program Finance Secretary Dr. Khairuzzaman Majumdar mentioned that the trade facilitation law has been made. Traders complained that it was not implemented; He urged them to be truly implemented.
The finance secretary said, trade facilitation will not only brighten the image of the National Board of Revenue; When Bangladesh moves from a LDC to a middle-income country in 2026—the advantages we enjoy in international trade will gradually cease; Cash disbursements will be withdrawn—enabling entrepreneurs to cope with new conditions through trade facilitation.
He pointed out various reasons for the increase in the cost of trade and said that customs should play a greater role. Custom automation will also eliminate other problems.
