Jewelers accuse VAT officials of bribes and harassment

Jewellers have been exposed to bribery and harassment by VAT officials, alleged leaders of the sector.

Trading of jewellery owners is being hampered seriously due to unprofessional dealings by VAT officials and police.

The issue came to the fore as BAJUS central leaders held a view exchange meeting with the organisation’s Khulna district body on Tuesday.

BAJUS vice-president and Standing Committee on District Monitoring vice-chairman Anwar Hossain attended the event as the chief guest.

Samaresh Chandra Saha, president of Khulna district unit BAJUS, presided over it.

It was discussed that the officials come to the jewellery shops and demand a VAT which is two times the amount paid in the previous month. They harass the shopkeepers in the name of checking sales register. Such officials create an atmosphere which encourages businessmen to pay bribe to avoid future harassment.

About the issue, Anwar Hossain said BAJUS President Sayem Sobhan Anvir has taken bold stand to protect jewellers from harassment.

BAJUS President Sayem Sobhan Anvir talked to administrative officials concerned to resolve the problems, he said calling for unity among jewellers in this regard.

The jewellers demanded imposition of 3 percent VAT saying that they are unable to pay more. Many businessmen are being harassed for failure to pay additional amount of revenue.

BAJUS adviser and Bangladesh Pratidin business editor Ruhul Amin Rasel, assistant secretary of Standing Committee on District Monitoring Joynal Abedin Khokon and central executive committee members Pabitra Chandra Ghosh and KaziNaznin Hossain attended as special guests.

The jewellery business has achieved a dignified position since takeover of BAJUS presidency by Bashundhara Group Managing Director Sayem Sobhan Anvir and his reforms measures.

Under the new presidency, the organisation has been stronger than any time in the past, they added.

Source: Daily Sun