On behalf of the entrepreneurs of the entire information technology sector, Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) president Russell T. Ahmed express his sincere thanks to the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for extending the tax exemption period of the information technology sector by three years.
This extension, in line with BASIS budget proposal, reflects the belief in building a Smart Bangladesh. I also thank the NBR for accepting this proposal, recognizing the ICT sector crucial role in building a Smart Bangladesh.
However, instead of a three-year extension, a further extension until 2031 would be more beneficial. As Bangladesh aspires to become an upper-middle-income country, such an extension would help the information technology sector increase its capacity in both domestic and global markets.
It needs to be said here that this tax exemption will not only contribute to the development of the information technology sector but will also play a central role like the nucleus of a cell in building a Smart Bangladesh in various fields, including education, healthcare, agriculture, banking systems, and export-oriented manufacturing industries.
Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali today placed a Taka 7,97,000 crore national budget for the coming fiscal with a prime focus on maintaining economic stability and augmenting steps to materialise the government "Smart Bangladesh" vision.
The proposed budget during the new tenure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina government tended to contain inflation as it appears to be major challenge in the existing global and domestic scenario.
"(But) this land, hallowed by immeasurable sacrifice and selflessness, has repeatedly stood resilient against all odds with unwavering conviction leveraging the collective endeavors of the people," he said.
The Finance Minister said un-daunting people of Bangladesh are today the brave warriors of the irresistible march towards progress, awakened by the spirit of the great Liberation War.
Ali announced that the vision of Smart Bangladesh would be realised through the integration of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and emphasised four key pillars - Smart Citizens, Smart Economy, Smart Government, and Smart Society.
The water level of the major rivers in the north-eastern region of the country may increase at some points for a short term in 24 hours commencing at 9am on Tuesday, said Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC).
According to information from meteorological organisations, medium to heavy rainfall is expected over the northern, north-eastern and adjoining upstream in the next 72 hours, it said.
Flood situation in the low-lying areas of Sylhet district may improve at a slow rate during the period.
The Brahmaputra-Jamuna Rivers are in rising trend, which may continue in next 48 hours while the Ganges River is in steady state and the Padma River is in rising trend, which may continue in next 48 hours.
The teachers of Dhaka University have observed work abstention for five hours on Tuesday demanding reinstatement of the previous pension facilities instead of the newly introduced universal pension scheme.
No class was held due to the “half day” protest that started around 8:00am which continued around 1:00pm, our DU correspondent reports.
However, the scheduled exams were held, said a press release.
Terming the new pension scheme “discriminatory” the teachers also demanded cancellation of the gazette in this regard.
The protesters gathered at the entrance of the Arts Building during the ongoing protest. The programme was held under the banner of Dhaka University Teachers Association (DUTA). Its President Prof Nizamul Hoque Bhuiyan and General Secretary Prof Zeenat Huda led the programme.