`Hal Khata` programme of National Board of Revenue (NBR) received huge response from businesspeople who joined the daylong celebration and took services from revenue officials and enjoyed traditional sweets.
NBR organized `Hal Khata` today for the first time across the country on the occasion of `Choitra Sangkranti`, a day before the first day of Bengali New Year Baishakh as part of its move to encourage people to clear their outstanding revenue.
During a visit to different tax zones in Dhaka, it was found that people were taking tax-related services including making payment of the outstanding revenue.
All VAT, income tax and customs officers were decorated with clay pots and colourful masks. Banana trees were used to erect gate. Visitors were served with traditional sweets such as `batasa`, `narkeler naru,` `swandesh,` `kadma,` `murali`, `moa` and watermelon on earthen plates.
The slogan of the event was "Payment of arrears, not realization".
A discussion was held at LTU (Large Taxpayer Unit) conference room where state minister for health and family welfare Zahid Malek was present as chief guest.
LTU`s tax commissioner Md Alamgir Hossain chaired the discussion while Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Abdul Matlub Ahmad, NBR member (income tax) Md Abdur Razzak, income tax division first secretary Abu Mohammad Quamrul Hasan, among others, took part in the discussion.
Zahim Malik urged the businesspeople and service-holders to pay tax for the development of the country. He appreciated the NBR for organizing `Hal Khata` saying that this event will help establish good relations between NBR and taxpayers.
FBCCI president Abdul Matlub Ahmad said NBR has been able to create a good image among the people by organizing `Hal Khata`. Its activities such as online VAT, online tax and `Hal Khata` have helped build cordial relations with business community, he added.
Source: BSS