Pre-Budget Discussion on National Budget 2015-16

The Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) organized a Pre-Budget Discussion on National Budget 2015-16 on 15 April, 2015 at the ICMAB Ruhul Quddus Auditorium, ICMA Bhaban, Nilkhet, Dhaka.

Dr. Mirza Azizul Islam, Former Finance Adviser to the Caretaker Government attended the program as chief guest while Chowdhury Amir Hossain, Member (International Taxes) of National Board of Revenues (NBR) was present as the Special Guest. Eminent Economist Prof. Abu Ahmed, Moazzem Hossain, Editor of The Financial Express and Additional Research Director of Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem attended the program as Resource Persons. President of ICMAB Mr. A.S.M Shaykhul Islam FCMA presided over the function while Secretary of ICMAB Mr. Md. Abdur Rahman Khan FCMA offered vote of thanks. 

ICMAB president proposed that the upcoming budget should focus on the employment generation for potential youths of the country; therefore, there should be an announcement of 10 years’ tax waiver for ICT sector which is another prospective area next to garments. He also opined that the upcoming budget should have the vision to encourage earning spirit of the citizens which in turn will increase government’s tax and VAT earnings. He also emphasized that budget should high light on government’s plan about local and foreign private investments, corporate taxes, human resources development, women empowerment, public private partnerships, gas and power generation for industrialization, social protection, good governance, and the road map to make Bangladesh as a middle country.

Chief Guest Dr. Mirza Azizul Islam mentioned that the coming budget should give priority on social safety net program and human resources development along with implementation of Annual Development Programs within the stipulated time frame.  He also urged to reduce the income gap between the rich and poor. Therefore, he emphasized on appropriate program to eradicate hunger and poverty from the country.

All the speakers urged the government to act and increase tax revenue based on strategic survey so that tax net is widened, citizen’s ability to pay tax is increased, harassment in paying taxes is decreased and the budget becomes pro-people.