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- #76
I think Hasina will somehow save Aziz because he knows too much about Hasina's Kala Kartoot.
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- #77
Benazir's Savanna Eco Resort closed
Savanna Eco Resort and Natural Park, owned by former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed and his family, has been closed following allegations of illegal asset acquisition
Benazir's Savanna Eco Resort closed
Photo: Savanna Bangladesh
Savanna Eco Resort, owned by former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed and his family, has been closed following allegations of illegal asset acquisition.
The resort's booking manager, Md Sabbir, confirmed this to The Daily Star, stating that the closure was directed by the authorities due to technical issues.
Sabbir assured that the public would be informed via the resort's Facebook page once it reopens.
The shutdown comes amid ongoing investigations into the alleged illegal wealth accumulation by the former IGP and his family.
Photo: Savanna Bangladesh
Savanna Eco Resort, owned by former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed and his family, has been closed following allegations of illegal asset acquisition.
The resort's booking manager, Md Sabbir, confirmed this to The Daily Star, stating that the closure was directed by the authorities due to technical issues.
Sabbir assured that the public would be informed via the resort's Facebook page once it reopens.
The shutdown comes amid ongoing investigations into the alleged illegal wealth accumulation by the former IGP and his family.
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- #78
Tk 1.77 crore graft: Bakhrabad Gas ex-deputy manager, his wife sued
The Anti-Corruption Commission today filed a case against a former deputy manager of Bakhrabad Gas Distribution Company Ltd and his wife on charges of embezzling Tk 1.77 crore
Tk 1.77 crore graft: Bakhrabad Gas ex-deputy manager, his wife sued
Anti-Corruption Commission Logo
The Anti-Corruption Commission today filed a case against a former deputy manager of Bakhrabad Gas Distribution Company Ltd and his wife on charges of embezzling Tk 1.77 crore.
Deputy Assistant Director of Cumilla Office Mohammad Atiqur Rahman filed the case against Abdul Hai Bhuiyan, 62, and his wife Anjuman Ara Begum, 56, yesterday, Deputy Director Fazlul Haque said.
The accused are residents of Bara Vatua area of Comilla Barura upazila.
According to case statement, the accused who are currently living in West Bagichagaon of the town, could not show any source of acquisition of wealth worth more than TK 1.77 crore.
Anti-Corruption Commission Logo
The Anti-Corruption Commission today filed a case against a former deputy manager of Bakhrabad Gas Distribution Company Ltd and his wife on charges of embezzling Tk 1.77 crore.
Deputy Assistant Director of Cumilla Office Mohammad Atiqur Rahman filed the case against Abdul Hai Bhuiyan, 62, and his wife Anjuman Ara Begum, 56, yesterday, Deputy Director Fazlul Haque said.
The accused are residents of Bara Vatua area of Comilla Barura upazila.
According to case statement, the accused who are currently living in West Bagichagaon of the town, could not show any source of acquisition of wealth worth more than TK 1.77 crore.
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- #79
ACC decision likely today if ex-army chief Aziz to face probe
The Anti-Corruption Commission is likely to take a decision today regarding launching an inquiry into the corruption allegations against former army chief...
www.newagebd.net
ACC decision likely today if ex-army chief Aziz to face probe
Staff Correspondent 04 June, 2024, 00:30
Aziz Ahmed.
The Anti-Corruption Commission is likely to take a decision today regarding launching an inquiry into the corruption allegations against former army chief retired general Aziz Ahmed.
A scheduled meeting of the commission led by its chairman Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah would be held on Tuesday at the commission headquarters in Dhaka where they may take a decision regarding an inquiry into the allegations against Aziz, said ACC officials on Monday.
Earlier on Thursday, the commission in a meeting discussed the graft complaints brought against Aziz, ordered its scrutiny cell to thoroughly examine the allegations and submit a report before the commission for the next course of action.
After the meeting ACC chairman Moinuddin Abdullah told New Age, 'We discussed the allegations against the former army chief.'
'We also asked the commission's scrutiny cell to scrutinise the allegations following rules and regulations and present a report before the commission,' he added.
ACC officials said on Monday that the three-member scrutiny cell had already completed its scrutiny and prepared a report.
Earlier, Supreme Court lawyer Salah Uddin Reagan filed a petition with the ACC on Wednesday seeking an inquiry into the alleged corruption of former army chief Aziz.
According to the lawyer's application, the United States sanctions against Aziz on corruption charges and the reports published in national dailies damaged the image of the Bangladesh Army and Bangladesh both nationally and internationally.
Reagan called unfortunate the ACC's reluctance to launch an investigation against Aziz even after such massive corruption allegations.
On May 21, the United States Department of State announced that the former chief of the Bangladesh Army, General Aziz Ahmed, and his family members were generally ineligible to enter the US due to his involvement in 'significant corruption'.
Talking to the media, Aziz, in his instant reaction, said that he was surprised at the announcement of such a US action against him on corruption allegations, which he termed baseless.
Aziz was Bangladesh army chief between 2018 and 2021.
Staff Correspondent 04 June, 2024, 00:30
Aziz Ahmed.
The Anti-Corruption Commission is likely to take a decision today regarding launching an inquiry into the corruption allegations against former army chief retired general Aziz Ahmed.
A scheduled meeting of the commission led by its chairman Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah would be held on Tuesday at the commission headquarters in Dhaka where they may take a decision regarding an inquiry into the allegations against Aziz, said ACC officials on Monday.
Earlier on Thursday, the commission in a meeting discussed the graft complaints brought against Aziz, ordered its scrutiny cell to thoroughly examine the allegations and submit a report before the commission for the next course of action.
After the meeting ACC chairman Moinuddin Abdullah told New Age, 'We discussed the allegations against the former army chief.'
'We also asked the commission's scrutiny cell to scrutinise the allegations following rules and regulations and present a report before the commission,' he added.
ACC officials said on Monday that the three-member scrutiny cell had already completed its scrutiny and prepared a report.
Earlier, Supreme Court lawyer Salah Uddin Reagan filed a petition with the ACC on Wednesday seeking an inquiry into the alleged corruption of former army chief Aziz.
According to the lawyer's application, the United States sanctions against Aziz on corruption charges and the reports published in national dailies damaged the image of the Bangladesh Army and Bangladesh both nationally and internationally.
Reagan called unfortunate the ACC's reluctance to launch an investigation against Aziz even after such massive corruption allegations.
On May 21, the United States Department of State announced that the former chief of the Bangladesh Army, General Aziz Ahmed, and his family members were generally ineligible to enter the US due to his involvement in 'significant corruption'.
Talking to the media, Aziz, in his instant reaction, said that he was surprised at the announcement of such a US action against him on corruption allegations, which he termed baseless.
Aziz was Bangladesh army chief between 2018 and 2021.
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Aussie MP seeks review of funding for Bangladesh
An Australian lawmaker on Tuesday urged the country’s government to immediately review its funding arrangements with Bangladesh to ensure...
www.newagebd.net
Aussie MP seeks review of funding for Bangladesh
Staff Correspondent 04 June, 2024, 20:57
Abigail Boyd. | Collected photo.
An Australian lawmaker on Tuesday urged the country's government to immediately review its funding arrangements with Bangladesh to ensure they were being used to support the people of Bangladesh and not filling the pockets of corrupt officials.
Abigail Boyd, member of the Legislative Council and Temporary Chair of Committees, came up with the demand in a notice submitted to the Parliament of New South Wales.
Boyd shared a video of her statement made in parliament on her verified Facebook page.
She brought the issue to the house, referring to recent United States sanctions on former Army chief Aziz Ahmed over his involvement in 'significant corruption'.
In her notice, she said that this House notes that, on May 20, 2024, the US Department of State announced the public designation of former General Aziz Ahmed, previously chief of the Bangladesh Army Staff, for significant corruption, including interfering in public processes, assisting his brother to evade accountability for criminal activity, and accepting bribes in exchange for government appointments.
In addition, she asked the parliament to note that there were many reports of corrupt activity being carried out by Bangladeshi officials, with the chair of the Bangladeshi Anti-Corruption Commission stating in November 2020 that corruption and bribery are rampant in government services.
The Greens member also said that corruption in Bangladesh had undermined its democratic institutions and the public's faith in public institutions and processes, and the Bangladeshi authorities had further undermined democratic institutions and processes by rigging elections and violently silencing or arresting over 8,000 members of the opposition party in order to maintain power, subjecting their citizens to arbitrary arrests, intimidation, surveillance, extortion, and torture, and carrying out over 600 enforced disappearances since 2009, of which 100 individuals are still missing.
She also said that the Australian government gave $116.2 million in developmental aid to Bangladesh in the 2023–24 financial year and supported Bangladeshi students as they pursued graduate school in Australia.
To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.
Staff Correspondent 04 June, 2024, 20:57
Abigail Boyd. | Collected photo.
An Australian lawmaker on Tuesday urged the country's government to immediately review its funding arrangements with Bangladesh to ensure they were being used to support the people of Bangladesh and not filling the pockets of corrupt officials.
Abigail Boyd, member of the Legislative Council and Temporary Chair of Committees, came up with the demand in a notice submitted to the Parliament of New South Wales.
Boyd shared a video of her statement made in parliament on her verified Facebook page.
She brought the issue to the house, referring to recent United States sanctions on former Army chief Aziz Ahmed over his involvement in 'significant corruption'.
In her notice, she said that this House notes that, on May 20, 2024, the US Department of State announced the public designation of former General Aziz Ahmed, previously chief of the Bangladesh Army Staff, for significant corruption, including interfering in public processes, assisting his brother to evade accountability for criminal activity, and accepting bribes in exchange for government appointments.
In addition, she asked the parliament to note that there were many reports of corrupt activity being carried out by Bangladeshi officials, with the chair of the Bangladeshi Anti-Corruption Commission stating in November 2020 that corruption and bribery are rampant in government services.
The Greens member also said that corruption in Bangladesh had undermined its democratic institutions and the public's faith in public institutions and processes, and the Bangladeshi authorities had further undermined democratic institutions and processes by rigging elections and violently silencing or arresting over 8,000 members of the opposition party in order to maintain power, subjecting their citizens to arbitrary arrests, intimidation, surveillance, extortion, and torture, and carrying out over 600 enforced disappearances since 2009, of which 100 individuals are still missing.
She also said that the Australian government gave $116.2 million in developmental aid to Bangladesh in the 2023–24 financial year and supported Bangladeshi students as they pursued graduate school in Australia.
To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.
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‘Indulging in Graft’: ACC to make list of those who aided Benazir
An Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigation team is now making a list of police officials, land officials, politicians, and others who aided and abetted former inspector general of police, Benazir Ahmed, in committing corruption.
'Indulging in Graft': ACC to make list of those who aided Benazir
An Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigation team is now making a list of police officials, land officials, politicians, and others who aided and abetted former inspector general of police, Benazir Ahmed, in committing corruption.
Once the list is made, the ACC will quiz the individuals.
The sub-registrars of Dhaka, Gopalganj, Madaripur, and Gazipur land offices are likely to be among them, as Benazir and his family own properties in those districts.
A high official at the ACC requesting anonymity told The Daily Star, "Benazir committed corruption with the assistance of many individuals, as it would not have been possible to indulge in corruption to such extent alone. Most of his aides are police personnel."
The official said, "Some police officers even co-own some of Benazir's properties, like the Bhawal Resort in Gazipur."
These individuals reaped benefits when Benazir was the Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner, director general of Rab, and the IGP.
The ACC investigation team found that Benazir bought many pieces of land at prices much lower than the market value.
A list of sub-registrars who helped Benazir is being prepared, sources said.
ACC Chairman Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah told The Daily Star yesterday, "Our investigation team is completely independent.
To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.
An Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigation team is now making a list of police officials, land officials, politicians, and others who aided and abetted former inspector general of police, Benazir Ahmed, in committing corruption.
Once the list is made, the ACC will quiz the individuals.
The sub-registrars of Dhaka, Gopalganj, Madaripur, and Gazipur land offices are likely to be among them, as Benazir and his family own properties in those districts.
A high official at the ACC requesting anonymity told The Daily Star, "Benazir committed corruption with the assistance of many individuals, as it would not have been possible to indulge in corruption to such extent alone. Most of his aides are police personnel."
The official said, "Some police officers even co-own some of Benazir's properties, like the Bhawal Resort in Gazipur."
These individuals reaped benefits when Benazir was the Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner, director general of Rab, and the IGP.
The ACC investigation team found that Benazir bought many pieces of land at prices much lower than the market value.
A list of sub-registrars who helped Benazir is being prepared, sources said.
ACC Chairman Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah told The Daily Star yesterday, "Our investigation team is completely independent.
To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.
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Withdraw provision to legalise black money: TIB
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) today expressed shock and disappointment over the “unethical provision” in the newly announced budget that allows the laundering of black money disguised as undisclosed income
Withdraw provision to legalise black money: TIB
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) today expressed shock and disappointment over the "unethical provision" in the newly announced budget that allows the laundering of black money disguised as undisclosed income.
TIB fears that the facility to legalise black money with just a 15 percent tax will discourage honest and legitimate taxpayers, as no authority will question the money and assets declared under this provision, according to a press release of the organisation.
"This will foster a liberal environment conducive to corruption in the country," it said.
Furthermore, this opportunity undermines the ruling party's election manifesto and its frequently reiterated pledge of zero tolerance against corruption.
"In light of these concerns, TIB is strongly demanding that the government withdraw this provision allowing the laundering of black money," it added.
TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman expressed frustration over the logic behind keeping the provision to whiten black money.
He also expressed disappointment at how the Data Verification System (DVS) has resulted in legal complexities regarding the declaration of undisclosed money, leading to the legitimization of property purchases using such funds, primarily due to taxpayers' lack of awareness.
"Even more troubling is that no authority will have the opportunity to question these transactions," he said.
To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) today expressed shock and disappointment over the "unethical provision" in the newly announced budget that allows the laundering of black money disguised as undisclosed income.
TIB fears that the facility to legalise black money with just a 15 percent tax will discourage honest and legitimate taxpayers, as no authority will question the money and assets declared under this provision, according to a press release of the organisation.
"This will foster a liberal environment conducive to corruption in the country," it said.
Furthermore, this opportunity undermines the ruling party's election manifesto and its frequently reiterated pledge of zero tolerance against corruption.
"In light of these concerns, TIB is strongly demanding that the government withdraw this provision allowing the laundering of black money," it added.
TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman expressed frustration over the logic behind keeping the provision to whiten black money.
He also expressed disappointment at how the Data Verification System (DVS) has resulted in legal complexities regarding the declaration of undisclosed money, leading to the legitimization of property purchases using such funds, primarily due to taxpayers' lack of awareness.
"Even more troubling is that no authority will have the opportunity to question these transactions," he said.
To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.
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Whitening Black Money: ‘Unethical, unjust and unacceptable’
Backtracking on its promise to eliminate black money, the government has once again made room to allow both individuals and companies to whiten money without facing scrutiny and by paying a 15 percent tax, a move that drew sharp criticism from economists and civil society.
Whitening Black Money: 'Unethical, unjust and unacceptable'
Economists blast the provision
Backtracking on its promise to eliminate black money, the government has once again made room to allow both individuals and companies to whiten money without facing scrutiny and by paying a 15 percent tax, a move that drew sharp criticism from economists and civil society.
The government hopes the initiative will increase the flow of money into the economy despite such measures failing to yield any fruitful benefits in the past.
According to the new provision, no authority can raise any question if a taxpayer pays tax at fixed rates for immovable properties such as flats and land and 15 percent tax on other assets, including cash, irrespective of the existing laws of the country.
The scope to whiten black money will remain in place till June 2025.
Before the last national election, the Awami League's election manifesto promised strong measures against those hoarding undisclosed money as well as those engaged in corruption.
But economists and corruption watchdogs said that successive governments allowing the whitening of black money was akin to "licencing corruption".
"This scope shouldn't be allowed at all," said Prof Mustafizur Rahman, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue, a think tank. "It's unacceptable, ethically and financially."
To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.
Economists blast the provision
Backtracking on its promise to eliminate black money, the government has once again made room to allow both individuals and companies to whiten money without facing scrutiny and by paying a 15 percent tax, a move that drew sharp criticism from economists and civil society.
The government hopes the initiative will increase the flow of money into the economy despite such measures failing to yield any fruitful benefits in the past.
According to the new provision, no authority can raise any question if a taxpayer pays tax at fixed rates for immovable properties such as flats and land and 15 percent tax on other assets, including cash, irrespective of the existing laws of the country.
The scope to whiten black money will remain in place till June 2025.
Before the last national election, the Awami League's election manifesto promised strong measures against those hoarding undisclosed money as well as those engaged in corruption.
But economists and corruption watchdogs said that successive governments allowing the whitening of black money was akin to "licencing corruption".
"This scope shouldn't be allowed at all," said Prof Mustafizur Rahman, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue, a think tank. "It's unacceptable, ethically and financially."
To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.
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- #84
Tax measures to take toll on honest, relieve errant
Finance minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali on Thursday announced a series of measures, including reintroducing scope for legalising undisclosed money by paying tax at a...
www.newagebd.net
Tax measures to take toll on honest, relieve errant
Shakawat Hossain 07 June, 2024, 00:23
Finance minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali on Thursday announced a series of measures, including reintroducing scope for legalising undisclosed money by paying tax at a flat 15 per cent rate in the new national budget worth Tk 7.97 lakh crore.
Besides, the finance minister declared an expansion of Value Added Tax and cut income tax rebates to augment higher revenues and keep the budget deficit within a tolerable level as per the dictation of the International Monetary Fund under the $4.7 billion loan programme.
It was the first budget of the 82-year-old diplomat-turned-finance minister, who was under pressure to bring back macroeconomic stability amid a shortage of dollars and high inflation.
However, his measure to withdraw tax waivers from industries like air coolers and refrigerators and the imposition of a higher tax on juices and ice cream, electric bulbs, etc will force manufacturers to pass on the extra cost to consumers already reeling from decade-high inflation.
His expansionary tax measures will increase the living costs of the majority of people, while the affluent section will remain almost unharmed with an unchanged wealth surcharge.
The finance minister identified inflation as the main challenge for FY25.
His announcement of the expansion of the social safety net programme by increasing the number of beneficiaries and the continuation of subsidised food distribution has been welcomed by the economists, as they will continue assisting vulnerable groups amid prolonged economic distress.
To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.
Shakawat Hossain 07 June, 2024, 00:23
Finance minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali on Thursday announced a series of measures, including reintroducing scope for legalising undisclosed money by paying tax at a flat 15 per cent rate in the new national budget worth Tk 7.97 lakh crore.
Besides, the finance minister declared an expansion of Value Added Tax and cut income tax rebates to augment higher revenues and keep the budget deficit within a tolerable level as per the dictation of the International Monetary Fund under the $4.7 billion loan programme.
It was the first budget of the 82-year-old diplomat-turned-finance minister, who was under pressure to bring back macroeconomic stability amid a shortage of dollars and high inflation.
However, his measure to withdraw tax waivers from industries like air coolers and refrigerators and the imposition of a higher tax on juices and ice cream, electric bulbs, etc will force manufacturers to pass on the extra cost to consumers already reeling from decade-high inflation.
His expansionary tax measures will increase the living costs of the majority of people, while the affluent section will remain almost unharmed with an unchanged wealth surcharge.
The finance minister identified inflation as the main challenge for FY25.
His announcement of the expansion of the social safety net programme by increasing the number of beneficiaries and the continuation of subsidised food distribution has been welcomed by the economists, as they will continue assisting vulnerable groups amid prolonged economic distress.
To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.
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- #85
PM defends budgetary proposal for whitening black money
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today supported the budgetary provision for legalising black money saying that it should be brought to the legal network first
PM defends budgetary proposal for whitening black money
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Photo: PID
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today supported the budgetary provision for legalising black money saying that it should be brought to the legal network first.
"The money should be allowed to come to the appropriate place (the banking channel) first with payment of a nominal amount of money (tax) and then they will have to pay tax regularly... If you go to catch fish, you need to provide feed," she said.
The premier was addressing a discussion arranged by Awami League at its office in Dhaka's Tejgaon area, marking the historic Six-point Day.
Talking about the scope for whitening black money, the prime minister said many raised questions regarding black money and argued that it would discourage legal tax prayers.
She said it's not right, rather the fact is the prices of everything went up and the owner of one katha land is a millionaire (kotipoti). But no one sells land at the government rate. They sell it at higher prices. So, they keep the surplus money received from the sale of land outside the banking network, she added.
The PM said the last budget during the BNP regime was of Tk 62,000 crore and that during the caretaker government was Tk 68,000 crore whereas her government has been able to place the budget of Tk 797,000 crore this time.
"This budget has focused on some basic demands and attached the highest priority to education, health, agriculture and local industries and social safety to ensure the basic rights of the people," she said.
Talking about the worldwide high inflation, the PM said the people with limited income are suffering due to Inflation. "But we've introduced family cards for the limited-income people so that they can purchase several essential commodities like rice, pulse and edible oil at fair prices. We're providing food to those who are extremely poor," she said.
Besides, the government has been providing financial assistance to the people under some 150 social safety programmes, providing free textbooks to school students, and providing the people with some 30 types of free medicines from the community clinics.
To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Photo: PID
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today supported the budgetary provision for legalising black money saying that it should be brought to the legal network first.
"The money should be allowed to come to the appropriate place (the banking channel) first with payment of a nominal amount of money (tax) and then they will have to pay tax regularly... If you go to catch fish, you need to provide feed," she said.
The premier was addressing a discussion arranged by Awami League at its office in Dhaka's Tejgaon area, marking the historic Six-point Day.
Talking about the scope for whitening black money, the prime minister said many raised questions regarding black money and argued that it would discourage legal tax prayers.
She said it's not right, rather the fact is the prices of everything went up and the owner of one katha land is a millionaire (kotipoti). But no one sells land at the government rate. They sell it at higher prices. So, they keep the surplus money received from the sale of land outside the banking network, she added.
The PM said the last budget during the BNP regime was of Tk 62,000 crore and that during the caretaker government was Tk 68,000 crore whereas her government has been able to place the budget of Tk 797,000 crore this time.
"This budget has focused on some basic demands and attached the highest priority to education, health, agriculture and local industries and social safety to ensure the basic rights of the people," she said.
Talking about the worldwide high inflation, the PM said the people with limited income are suffering due to Inflation. "But we've introduced family cards for the limited-income people so that they can purchase several essential commodities like rice, pulse and edible oil at fair prices. We're providing food to those who are extremely poor," she said.
Besides, the government has been providing financial assistance to the people under some 150 social safety programmes, providing free textbooks to school students, and providing the people with some 30 types of free medicines from the community clinics.
To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.
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- #86
This budget is for promoting black money: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said the proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 as black money-friendly, saying it will further widen scope for corruption in the country
This budget is for promoting black money: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. File photo
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said the proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 as black money-friendly, saying it will further widen scope for corruption in the country.
"This budget is for promoting black money. This is also the budget of how black money can be whitened, corruption can be expanded, and money can be made (illegally)," he said.
Speaking at a seminar, the BNP leader also said the budget was not formulated for the welfare of the people or for creating job opportunities.
"There is no need to talk about the budget. You see the cartoon on the front page of The Daily Star, where a huge elephant is sitting on top of many ordinary farmers, workers, hardworking people… This brilliant cartoon has depicted a clear picture of the budget," he observed.
The BNP leader said the government has allocated huge amount of money for unproductive sectors for creating more scopes to plunder public money.
"Sonali Dal," a panel of teachers of Bangladesh Agricultural University, arranged the event at Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU), marking the 43rd death anniversary of former president and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.
Fakhrul slammed the government for increasing the tax on capital machinery in the proposed budget. "What is the meaning of increasing tax on capital machinery? The meaning is that there should be no industry and factory here as machinery cannot be imported."
He said people are going through a very tough time due to a lack of employment and earning sources. "Those who used to do small business and work here in Dhaka are now moving to the villages for a lack of jobs. But they're also facing a terrible situation as there is no work there as well."
"This government is sustaining on lies. All statistics of this regime are false and fabricated. On which statistics will you make a plan? Benazir's (former IGP) corruption is everywhere now... Benazir is everywhere now," the BNP leader said.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. File photo
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said the proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 as black money-friendly, saying it will further widen scope for corruption in the country.
"This budget is for promoting black money. This is also the budget of how black money can be whitened, corruption can be expanded, and money can be made (illegally)," he said.
Speaking at a seminar, the BNP leader also said the budget was not formulated for the welfare of the people or for creating job opportunities.
"There is no need to talk about the budget. You see the cartoon on the front page of The Daily Star, where a huge elephant is sitting on top of many ordinary farmers, workers, hardworking people… This brilliant cartoon has depicted a clear picture of the budget," he observed.
The BNP leader said the government has allocated huge amount of money for unproductive sectors for creating more scopes to plunder public money.
"Sonali Dal," a panel of teachers of Bangladesh Agricultural University, arranged the event at Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU), marking the 43rd death anniversary of former president and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.
Fakhrul slammed the government for increasing the tax on capital machinery in the proposed budget. "What is the meaning of increasing tax on capital machinery? The meaning is that there should be no industry and factory here as machinery cannot be imported."
He said people are going through a very tough time due to a lack of employment and earning sources. "Those who used to do small business and work here in Dhaka are now moving to the villages for a lack of jobs. But they're also facing a terrible situation as there is no work there as well."
"This government is sustaining on lies. All statistics of this regime are false and fabricated. On which statistics will you make a plan? Benazir's (former IGP) corruption is everywhere now... Benazir is everywhere now," the BNP leader said.
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- #87
Amnesty for black money: what are the proposed tax measures?
By re-launching the initiative, the government seeks to increase the flow of money into the economy, although such measures failed to yield any fruitful benefit in the past.
Amnesty for black money: what are the proposed tax measures?
By re-launching the initiative, the government seeks to increase the flow of money into the economy, although such measures failed to yield any fruitful benefit in the past.
The government wants to re-introduce the provision allowing individuals and companies to whiten their black money without facing any question from any authority about the source of the wealth.
According to the new provision, a taxpayer needs to pay tax at fixed rates against investment in immovable properties such as flats and land.
In case of other assets, including cash and deposits in banks, a taxpayer will need to pay a 15 percent tax on the amount to legalise his/her income.
By re-launching the initiative, the government seeks to increase the flow of money into the economy, although such measures failed to yield any fruitful benefit in the past.
The unquestioned amnesty to black money will remain effective from July 1 this year to June 30 next year if the lawmakers approve the proposal placed by Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali on June 6 as part of tax measures for the next fiscal year.
But what are the provisions in his proposal?
By paying a 15 percent tax, one can invest his/her undeclared money in financial schemes and instruments, in the stock market or deposits in banks.
To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.
By re-launching the initiative, the government seeks to increase the flow of money into the economy, although such measures failed to yield any fruitful benefit in the past.
The government wants to re-introduce the provision allowing individuals and companies to whiten their black money without facing any question from any authority about the source of the wealth.
According to the new provision, a taxpayer needs to pay tax at fixed rates against investment in immovable properties such as flats and land.
In case of other assets, including cash and deposits in banks, a taxpayer will need to pay a 15 percent tax on the amount to legalise his/her income.
By re-launching the initiative, the government seeks to increase the flow of money into the economy, although such measures failed to yield any fruitful benefit in the past.
The unquestioned amnesty to black money will remain effective from July 1 this year to June 30 next year if the lawmakers approve the proposal placed by Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali on June 6 as part of tax measures for the next fiscal year.
But what are the provisions in his proposal?
By paying a 15 percent tax, one can invest his/her undeclared money in financial schemes and instruments, in the stock market or deposits in banks.
To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.
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Suspicious transactions, capital flight growing
Suspicious transactions linking to money laundering are growing in the county amid the resource crunch caused by a persistent dollar shortage.
www.newagebd.net
Suspicious transactions, capital flight growing
Shakhawat Hossain 09 June, 2024, 23:57
Suspicious transactions linking to money laundering are growing in the county amid the resource crunch caused by a persistent dollar shortage.
According to a budget document, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligent Unit received 12,046 suspicious transaction reports and suspicious activity reports in the first nine months of the outgoing FY24.
The number was around 10,000 during the same period of FY23 with the BFIU recording overall 14,100 STRs and SARs at the end of FY23.
The BIFU also took measures against 25.9 million cash transaction reports in the first nine month of the outgoing FY24, said the budget document prepared by the Financial Institutions Division over the country's financial sector.
Former Bangladesh Bank governor Salehuddin Ahmed, however, called the government initiatives to check the hundi and capital flight insufficient.
The inflow of remittance did not reflect the growing number of overseas job seekers from the country, he said, adding that hundi diverted remittance elsewhere.
Some 11 lakh Bangladeshi sought overseas jobs in FY23 as the Middle East countries hired workers from Bangladesh in an increased number.
But despite the rise in employment, inward remittance had not increased much.
For the period of July–April in the current financial year FY24, remittance inflow reached $21.3 billion against $19.1 billion earned in the same period of FY23.
The Financial Institutions Division report said the the BFIU suspended 27,860 individual mobile financial service accounts and two MFS providers in the first nine months of the outgoing FY24.
The BFIU also closed down 291 websites, 33 apps and 464 social media platforms for same reasons during the same period.
On May 9, finance minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali said that money laundering was increasing due to online gambling, gaming and hundi while responding to a question in the parliament.
Taking advantage of this development in technology, some unscrupulous circles became involved in criminal activities such as online gambling/betting, gaming, forex/cryptocurrency trading and hundi, he said.
As a result, he said that money was being smuggled out of the country leading to the loss of foreign currency.
Remittance significantly contributes to the country's balance of payments, but the slower than expected growth had deepened the current economic crisis begun in April 2022.
To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.
Shakhawat Hossain 09 June, 2024, 23:57
Suspicious transactions linking to money laundering are growing in the county amid the resource crunch caused by a persistent dollar shortage.
According to a budget document, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligent Unit received 12,046 suspicious transaction reports and suspicious activity reports in the first nine months of the outgoing FY24.
The number was around 10,000 during the same period of FY23 with the BFIU recording overall 14,100 STRs and SARs at the end of FY23.
The BIFU also took measures against 25.9 million cash transaction reports in the first nine month of the outgoing FY24, said the budget document prepared by the Financial Institutions Division over the country's financial sector.
Former Bangladesh Bank governor Salehuddin Ahmed, however, called the government initiatives to check the hundi and capital flight insufficient.
The inflow of remittance did not reflect the growing number of overseas job seekers from the country, he said, adding that hundi diverted remittance elsewhere.
Some 11 lakh Bangladeshi sought overseas jobs in FY23 as the Middle East countries hired workers from Bangladesh in an increased number.
But despite the rise in employment, inward remittance had not increased much.
For the period of July–April in the current financial year FY24, remittance inflow reached $21.3 billion against $19.1 billion earned in the same period of FY23.
The Financial Institutions Division report said the the BFIU suspended 27,860 individual mobile financial service accounts and two MFS providers in the first nine months of the outgoing FY24.
The BFIU also closed down 291 websites, 33 apps and 464 social media platforms for same reasons during the same period.
On May 9, finance minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali said that money laundering was increasing due to online gambling, gaming and hundi while responding to a question in the parliament.
Taking advantage of this development in technology, some unscrupulous circles became involved in criminal activities such as online gambling/betting, gaming, forex/cryptocurrency trading and hundi, he said.
As a result, he said that money was being smuggled out of the country leading to the loss of foreign currency.
Remittance significantly contributes to the country's balance of payments, but the slower than expected growth had deepened the current economic crisis begun in April 2022.
To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.
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Provision to whiten black money an injustice to honest taxpayers: speakers
Prof Selim Raihan, executive director of SANEM, criticises the tax disparity between honest earners and black money holders
Provision to whiten black money an injustice to honest taxpayers: speakers
The provision for whitening black money by paying 15 percent tax in the proposed national budget for 2024-25 fiscal year will encourage corruption, and it stands against the values of a just society, said speakers at an event today.
They remarks came at a national budget review programme organised by the Economics department of Dhaka University on the premises.
Prof Selim Raihan, executive director of SANEM, criticised the tax disparity between honest earners and black money holders.
"People with legal incomes have to pay 30 percent or more taxes, while those legalising black money will pay 15 percent. This is an injustice to honest taxpayers," he said.
Raihan questioned the realism of the government's target to reduce inflation to 6.5 percent within the next fiscal year, with a GDP growth target of 6.75.
"The exchange rate needs to be stabilised and the government should further undertake major reform initiatives to address problems in the financial sector, including defaulted loans," he added.
Prof Masuda Yasmin, chairman of DU Economics department, expressed her disappointment with the budget, saying it failed to meet expectations amid the current economic crisis.
"The economy needs stability, even if it means slower growth," she said.
Prof Sayema Haque said the government could have reduced the budget deficit further, warning that borrowing from the domestic sector to meet the deficit could lead to increased inflation.
DU Vice Chancellor Dr ASM Maksud Kamal highlighted the growing waste in various sectors due to a lack of skills and the need for special attention to agricultural production in light of climate change.
"There will be a significant risk to food security in future if the agriculture sector isn't given priority in the budget," he said.
Speakers also talked on issues including social security, large-scale investment, industrialisation, and the health system.
They called for increased allocation and incentives in the SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) sector, proper use of budget allocations, and institutional measures against corruption to ensure proper implementation.
Prof Ferdowsi Nahar, Rumana Haque, Saima Haque, and Syed Naimul Wadood also spoke at the event.
The provision for whitening black money by paying 15 percent tax in the proposed national budget for 2024-25 fiscal year will encourage corruption, and it stands against the values of a just society, said speakers at an event today.
They remarks came at a national budget review programme organised by the Economics department of Dhaka University on the premises.
Prof Selim Raihan, executive director of SANEM, criticised the tax disparity between honest earners and black money holders.
"People with legal incomes have to pay 30 percent or more taxes, while those legalising black money will pay 15 percent. This is an injustice to honest taxpayers," he said.
Raihan questioned the realism of the government's target to reduce inflation to 6.5 percent within the next fiscal year, with a GDP growth target of 6.75.
"The exchange rate needs to be stabilised and the government should further undertake major reform initiatives to address problems in the financial sector, including defaulted loans," he added.
Prof Masuda Yasmin, chairman of DU Economics department, expressed her disappointment with the budget, saying it failed to meet expectations amid the current economic crisis.
"The economy needs stability, even if it means slower growth," she said.
Prof Sayema Haque said the government could have reduced the budget deficit further, warning that borrowing from the domestic sector to meet the deficit could lead to increased inflation.
DU Vice Chancellor Dr ASM Maksud Kamal highlighted the growing waste in various sectors due to a lack of skills and the need for special attention to agricultural production in light of climate change.
"There will be a significant risk to food security in future if the agriculture sector isn't given priority in the budget," he said.
Speakers also talked on issues including social security, large-scale investment, industrialisation, and the health system.
They called for increased allocation and incentives in the SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) sector, proper use of budget allocations, and institutional measures against corruption to ensure proper implementation.
Prof Ferdowsi Nahar, Rumana Haque, Saima Haque, and Syed Naimul Wadood also spoke at the event.
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Probe initiated against Aziz’s siblings
An investigation has been initiated into the alleged passport and NID card forgery against former army chief general Aziz Ahmed’s siblings Haris Ahmed and...
www.newagebd.net
Probe initiated against Aziz's siblings
Staff Correspondent 11 June, 2024, 00:27
Aziz Ahmed
An investigation has been initiated into the alleged passport and NID card forgery against former army chief general Aziz Ahmed's siblings Haris Ahmed and Tofael Ahmed.
The Anti-Corruption Commission sent letters to the Election Commission and the Department of Immigration and Passports in the past week to investigate the allegations, said commission chairman Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah on Monday.
The Election Commission on Sunday formed a committee with three members of its National Identity Card wing to investigate how Haris and Tofael, also known as Joseph, obtained NID cards using false information, chief election commissioner Kazi
Habibul Awal told journalists on Monday.
He said, 'The NID has a technical side. There may be loopholes in this technology, but if only 0.01 per cent people abuse it, efforts should be made to bring them to justice.'
No investigation has, however, been initiated into the alleged forgery by former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed in obtaining ordinary passport despite being a public servant.
ACC lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan told New Age, 'Now the ACC is conducting an inquiry into the allegations brought against Benazir Ahmed over amassing wealth and money laundering.'
The commission will also take further step if its inquiry finds other anomalies such as irregularities in obtaining passport, he said.
Recent reports suggested that Haris used the alias Mohammad Hasan to obtain an NID card, falsely listing Suleman Sarkar and Rahela Begum as his parents.
Additionally, he changed his photo on his NID card in 2019, with the recommendation for the change coming from his brother Aziz Ahmed when he was the army chief.
Tofael Ahmed, alias Joseph, possessed two NID cards—one under his actual name with parents listed as Abdul Wadud and Renuja Begum, and another under the name Tanvir Ahmed Tanjeel, with different parent names.
The ACC is also scrutinising allegations of corruption against retired general Aziz Ahmed following a petition submitted by a lawyer recently.
This development came after the United States had imposed sanctions on Aziz Ahmed and his immediate family members on May 21, citing his alleged involvement in serious corruption.
Aziz served as the chief of army staff from June 2018 to June 2021 and also led the Border Guard Bangladesh from 2012 to 2016.
Aziz, the eldest among five brothers, had siblings who made headlines for criminal activities of murder, extortion and illegal possession of firearms during the 1990s and 2000s.
Joseph, in particular, was implicated in ten cases related to extortion and illegal firearms possession.
In 2004, Joseph was sentenced to death, while Haris and another brother, Anis, received life imprisonment in a murder case.
The spotlight intensified on Aziz Ahmed when Joseph was granted clemency in the murder case in 2018, followed by similar actions for Haris and Anis in 2019.
An Al-Jazeera documentary 'All the prime minister's men,' aired on February 1, 2021, alleged that Aziz misused his influence to secure contracts for his convicted brothers.
However, both the army headquarters and foreign ministry dismissed these allegations as false and defamatory.
The National Identity Registration Act 2010 stipulates penalties for providing false information to obtain an NID card, including imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of Tk 20,000, or both.
To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.
Staff Correspondent 11 June, 2024, 00:27
Aziz Ahmed
An investigation has been initiated into the alleged passport and NID card forgery against former army chief general Aziz Ahmed's siblings Haris Ahmed and Tofael Ahmed.
The Anti-Corruption Commission sent letters to the Election Commission and the Department of Immigration and Passports in the past week to investigate the allegations, said commission chairman Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah on Monday.
The Election Commission on Sunday formed a committee with three members of its National Identity Card wing to investigate how Haris and Tofael, also known as Joseph, obtained NID cards using false information, chief election commissioner Kazi
Habibul Awal told journalists on Monday.
He said, 'The NID has a technical side. There may be loopholes in this technology, but if only 0.01 per cent people abuse it, efforts should be made to bring them to justice.'
No investigation has, however, been initiated into the alleged forgery by former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed in obtaining ordinary passport despite being a public servant.
ACC lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan told New Age, 'Now the ACC is conducting an inquiry into the allegations brought against Benazir Ahmed over amassing wealth and money laundering.'
The commission will also take further step if its inquiry finds other anomalies such as irregularities in obtaining passport, he said.
Recent reports suggested that Haris used the alias Mohammad Hasan to obtain an NID card, falsely listing Suleman Sarkar and Rahela Begum as his parents.
Additionally, he changed his photo on his NID card in 2019, with the recommendation for the change coming from his brother Aziz Ahmed when he was the army chief.
Tofael Ahmed, alias Joseph, possessed two NID cards—one under his actual name with parents listed as Abdul Wadud and Renuja Begum, and another under the name Tanvir Ahmed Tanjeel, with different parent names.
The ACC is also scrutinising allegations of corruption against retired general Aziz Ahmed following a petition submitted by a lawyer recently.
This development came after the United States had imposed sanctions on Aziz Ahmed and his immediate family members on May 21, citing his alleged involvement in serious corruption.
Aziz served as the chief of army staff from June 2018 to June 2021 and also led the Border Guard Bangladesh from 2012 to 2016.
Aziz, the eldest among five brothers, had siblings who made headlines for criminal activities of murder, extortion and illegal possession of firearms during the 1990s and 2000s.
Joseph, in particular, was implicated in ten cases related to extortion and illegal firearms possession.
In 2004, Joseph was sentenced to death, while Haris and another brother, Anis, received life imprisonment in a murder case.
The spotlight intensified on Aziz Ahmed when Joseph was granted clemency in the murder case in 2018, followed by similar actions for Haris and Anis in 2019.
An Al-Jazeera documentary 'All the prime minister's men,' aired on February 1, 2021, alleged that Aziz misused his influence to secure contracts for his convicted brothers.
However, both the army headquarters and foreign ministry dismissed these allegations as false and defamatory.
The National Identity Registration Act 2010 stipulates penalties for providing false information to obtain an NID card, including imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of Tk 20,000, or both.
To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.
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