Speakers at a discussion here have unanimously underscored the need for boosting revenue collection for the country's overall development.
They said proper functioning of the country's business sector and other trade-related activities are the precondition to uplift the economic growth.
There is no alternative to expanding trade and business to a greater extent for taking the country forward.
Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate organised the meeting at Shaheed AHM Kamaruzzaman Zila Parishad Auditorium in the city on Friday to mark the World Customs Day-2024.
The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has declared 2024 as a dedicated year under theme "Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose"
Member (Audit and Intelligence) of National Board of Revenue (NBR) GM Abul Kalam Kaikobad addressed the meeting as chief guest with Customs Commissioner Zakir Hossain in the chair.
Tax Appellate Commissioner Monwar Ahmed and President of Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industries (RCCI) Masudur Rahman and President of Chapainawabganj Chamber of Commerce and Industries Abdul Wahed also spoke.
During his keynote presentation, Deputy Commissioner of Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate Nur Uddin Milon gave an illustration on the importance of boosting revenue earning in terms of national development.
Laying stress on enhancing revenue collection from both internal and external sources, NBR Member Abul Kalam Kaikobad said it could be an effective means of reducing dependency on foreign aid for executing the uplift programmes.
Mentioning that revenue collection has increased quadruple in the last decade, he said custom has an important role in enhancing internal revenue.
He urged custom officials, employees, businessmen, C&F Agent to perform their duties with utmost sincerity so that Bangladesh can turn into a developed country by 2041.
Abul Kalam Kaikobad attributed that digitisation will play an important role here.
"If the system is digital, the chances of tax evasion are reduced. There is a need to increase efficiency and reduce the chances of cheating," he said.
In his remarks, RCCI President Masudur Rahman called upon the tax authorities to work diligently for the economic development of the people of the country and further facilitation of trade and commerce.
He said the sectors that have the potential to attract new investments should be more active to find out new investors.
ARS
