Bureaucratic hurdles are forcing us into ‘systematic thieves’: Restaurant owners’ leader

Bureaucratic complexities are turning businesses into “systematic thieves,” Bangladesh Restaurant Owners’ Association Secretary General Imran Hossain has alleged.

“Enforcement actions disproportionately target those who pay VAT and taxes, while non-compliant businesses often go unchecked,” he made the remarks at a pre-budget consultation meeting jointly organised by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital today (29 April).

Imran also proposed lowering the VAT rate and introducing a unified tax system. “We held a budget discussion with the NBR chairman, but the very next day, coordinated drives were launched against restaurants that are VAT-compliant.”

Highlighting alleged harassment, he said administrative pressure and field-level harassment have made it increasingly difficult to run businesses. On one hand, there is pressure to increase VAT, and on the other, irregular enforcement drives. If this continues, we will have no option but to shut down our businesses,” he warned.

Expressing frustration over the lack of a level playing field, Imran said, “Yes, I admit it – we are forced into dishonesty because the system does not treat everyone equally. How do we get out of this? This bureaucratic structure will never allow it.”

He also criticised both bureaucrats and politicians, alleging that officials fail to create effective systems while in office, only to acknowledge the problems after retirement.

The meeting was presided over by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, attending as chief guest. Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir was present as special guest.

The meeting was chaired by NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan, while Additional Secretary of the commerce ministry and FBCCI Administrator Abdur Rahim Khan moderated the session.