BASIS has Placed ICT Budget Proposal to Hon’ble Finance Minister

BASIS has placed Budget Proposal for FY 2019-20 to Hon’ble Finance Minister A H M Mustafa Kamal. The meeting took place at Economic Relations Division at Planning Ministry, Agargaon.

At the meeting Director General of Central Procurement Technical Unit (CPTU) Md. Ali Noor, BASIS Vice President (Admin) Shoeb Ahmed Masud and BASIS Vice President (Finance) Mushfiqur Rahman were present.

BASIS requested Hon’ble Finance Minister to revise PPR Template of Government in favor of local companies. As Local ICT Companies are now capable of handling national & international projects, local companies should be prioritized for local projects.

Also, BASIS urged Hon’ble Minister to initiate budget allocation of BDT 500 core for Technical Assistant project abroad. It’s time Bangladesh can offer Technical Assistance for under developed countries on the term to provide the service if they implement their projects form Bangladeshi ICT companies. It will be investment from Government end & highlight Bangladeshi ICT companies’ capability home & abroad.

BASIS also highlighted the issue that, Bangladesh ICT companies are Tax exempted till 2024. But every year companies have to get the exemption certificate from NBR. Hence, to mitigate difficulties BASIS can issue the Tax exemption certificate.

Also, BASIS highlighted that, as there is gap of skilled manpower in our country, hence if companies send their IT professionals for higher training; TAX rebate must be given on the provided scholarship for the professionals from the companies. 

Hon’ble Finance Minister listened to BASIS proposals carefully. He said, Local companies are now capable of implementing national & international projects. He asked CPTU Director General to simplify PPR terms for Local companies and said VAT Online project will be implemented by local companies. Also, Hon’ble Finance Minister has assured to look into BASIS budget proposals positively.