The Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate in Jashore observed National VAT Day on Wednesday, marking the beginning of a five-day “VAT Week.” To commemorate the occasion, a seminar and awareness programme was held at the commissionerate premises at 10am. This year’s theme was: “Obtain registration on time, pay VAT accurately.”

G.M. Abul Kalam Kaykobad, Member (Tax Administration and Human Resource Management) of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), attended the event as the chief guest. Special guests included Masud Rana, Commissioner of vat Zone–Jashore; Khaled Mohammad Abu Hossain, Commissioner of Benapole Customs House; Mizanur Rahman Khan, President of Jashore Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Zahid Hasan Tukun, President of Jashore Press Club. Business owners, dignitaries and media representatives were also present.

The welcome address was delivered by Md. Mushfiqur Rahman, Additional Commissioner of Benapole Customs House, while Joint Commissioner Mohammad Marufur Rahman moderated the programme. Sheikh Abu Faysal Md. Murad, Commissioner of Jashore VAT Commissionerate, presided over the event.

In his speech, the commissioner said the government has been observing VAT Day and VAT Week annually since 2013 to enhance awareness about the VAT system. Despite challenges such as unregistered businesses, gaps in automation, inconsistencies in rebate discipline and limitations in collecting VAT from e-commerce, the Jashore Commissionerate has achieved commendable revenue growth, he added.

He further noted that online VAT registration, e-return filing, e-refund, e-audit, e-payment, EFD installation and VAT Smart Challan are part of modern digital management systems, and expressed hope that businesses would make greater use of these facilities. He emphasised that VAT plays an irreplaceable role in strengthening the domestic economy.

In his remarks, the chief guest said VAT contributes the highest share to the country’s total revenue. Describing VAT growth as a positive indicator of economic progress, he urged businesses to ensure proper VAT compliance to help pave the way for genuine economic liberation.

The special guests also highlighted the importance of VAT in the national economy and called for cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure accurate VAT collection.

To mark VAT Week, the Jashore VAT Commissionerate is broadcasting awareness TVCs through print, electronic media and local cable operators. The authority expressed optimism that, with stakeholders’ cooperation, the revenue target for the current fiscal year would be achieved.

Assistant Commissioner Pial Dutta coordinated the overall arrangements of the event.