RAJSHAHI, Dec 10, 2023 (BSS)-Speakers at a discussion today unanimously viewed the present government under the dynamic and farsighted leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been working relentlessly for strengthening the foundation of country's economy on a strong footing.

They urged all concerned to discharge their duties with utmost sincerity, honesty and patriotic zeal to further strengthen the country's economy.

 There is no alternative to collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) for making the country self-reliant economically.
 
They came up with the observation while addressing the inaugural session of National VAT Day and Week-2023 at the conference hall of Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industries (RCCI). Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate, Rajshahi organized the programme.

On the occasion, 18 highest VAT-paying persons and business institutions were given awards as recognition to their laudable contribution to this field.

President of Taxes Appellate Tribunal Monwar Ahmed addressed the discussion as chief guest while Commissioner of Customs Excise and VAT Zakir Hossain was in the chair.

Joint Commissioner of Customs Excise and VAT Muhammad Mahbub Hassan presented the keynote paper on the issue while Deputy Commissioner Nur Uddin Milon welcomed the participants.

Additional Income Tax Commissioner of Rajshahi Muhammad Shah Alam and President of Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industries Masudur Rahman also spoke.
 
Monwar Ahmed said proper functioning of country's business sector and other trade-related activities are the preconditions to uphold the growth indicators and that is very important to bolster the economic field.

There is no alternative to large-scale expansion of trade and business to take forward the country's development, he added. "Every one of us should feel about how to develop the nation and how to reduce the dependency on foreign aid," he said.

Ahmed viewed that the enhanced revenue collection from both the internal and external sources could be an effective means of reducing dependency on foreign aid for implementing the uplift programmes.