British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cook paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman at his office in the capital’s Bashundhara area this morning.
The meeting took place at around 9:30 am in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, according to a party press release.
Deputy High Commissioner James Goldman, Political Counselor Timothy Duckett and Second Secretary (Political) Kate Ward accompanied the British envoy.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed various issues related to holding the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election in Bangladesh in a free, fair and acceptable manner, alongside matters of mutual interests.
Both sides expressed the hope that the upcoming election would further strengthen democracy and democratic institutions in Bangladesh.
They also voiced optimism that the friendly relations, trade, commerce and overall cooperation between Bangladesh and the UK would become more dynamic in the future.
Assistant Secretary General and Central Publicity and Media Department Chief Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer, Central Executive Council member Mobarak Hossain and Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Jamaat Ameer Professor Dr Mahmudul Hasan were present during the meeting.
On revenue trends, the chairman said Bangladesh is gradually moving away from heavy reliance on import duties, with income tax and VAT contributing a growing share of total revenue. Strengthening income tax and VAT collection is essential for redistribution and sustainable development, he added.
He stressed that customs administration plays a crucial role not only in revenue collection but also in preventing money laundering and protecting the country from harmful imports.
Responding to questions, he said import data is not confidential and will be published on the NBR website after filtering to protect taxpayer identities.
He also said VAT refunds have begun under the automated system, while work is underway to introduce a fully automated income tax refund mechanism to minimise direct contact between tax officials and taxpayers.
On tariff policy, he said duties on essential commodities, including fruits, dates, edible oil, onions and rice, have been reduced, prioritising public interest over revenue considerations.
MSH
