Staff Correspondent, Narayanganj

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has decided to install VAT machines or Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs) in jewelry shops across 18 districts, including Narayanganj. To increase revenue collection, NBR has requested a list of jewelry establishments from the Jewelers' Association.

However, the Bangladesh Jewelers Association (BAJUS) leaders believe that all shops must be brought under the VAT system before installing the VAT machines. They also suggested that groundwork might be required.

Yesterday, Thursday, BAJUS Narayanganj District Committee President Md. Hanif Uddin Selim expressed this opinion to journalists regarding the installation of VAT machines.

He said, "In Narayanganj alone, fewer than 100 businesses currently pay VAT and other government fees. However, there are over 500 gold shops in the district. Before implementing VAT machines, we suggested bringing all shops under the VAT system. Instead, they are imposing the machines only on those already compliant with VAT, creating inequality among businesses. For example, shops not under VAT sell gold at a profit even after reducing the price by 10,000 BDT per 'bhori,' compared to those complying with VAT."

He added, "We urge the authorities to bring all shops under VAT through field-level operations before implementing the machines. We welcome all decisions made by the government in the interest of the business community."

Earlier this month, the NBR discussed EFD implementation with Jewelers' Association leaders. They highlighted issues such as VAT, baggage rules, and gold imports. NBR officials stated that EFD machines would be installed in jewelry establishments across 18 districts, including Dhaka, Narayanganj, and others. They also requested a comprehensive list of shops, with a provision to provide the list in parts if needed.