CSO Alliance Addresses Concerns Over Negative Impact of Income Tax Act 2023 on NGOs

On 19th June 2023, the CSO Alliance organized a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office to discuss the new Income Tax Act 2023. A delegation led by CSO Alliance Convener, Rasheda K. Choudhury attended the meeting along with the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Md. Tofazzel Hossain Miah, chaired the session on behalf of the government.

The meeting focused on potential challenges that CSO Alliance member organizations, NGOs, microfinance institutions, and private schools and universities may face under the new Income Tax Act 2023, and how these challenges could impact the progress of CSOs in Bangladesh.

Government representatives at the meeting included the Chairman of NBR  Abu Hena Md. Rahmatul Muneem,  Executive Vice Chairman of Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA), Md. Fasiullah,   S.K. Md. Moniruzzaman, Director General of NGO Affairs Bureau, Nafiul Hasan, Director General-1 of PMO and Abdullah Al Khairum, Director-3.

The CSO Alliance delegation included key figures from prominent NGOs and networks, such as  Maleka Banu, General Secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad; Hasin Jahan, Country Director of WaterAid Bangladesh; Aroma Dutta, Executive Director of PRIP Trust; and K.A.M. Morshed, Senior Director of BRAC

Participants acknowledged that, over the decades, millions of women and girls in Bangladesh have made remarkable strides across various fields. However, despite numerous opportunities, the current global and national contexts have introduced new challenges to women’s development, empowerment, and human rights. The meeting emphasized that without achieving qualitative changes, rather than relying solely on statistical improvements, fundamental issues of gender inequality will persist. It was noted that merely enhancing economic indicators is not sufficient; social progress is also essential to reduce gender disparities and secure the dignity and rights of women.

The consultation concluded with a consensus that a holistic approach is crucial for advancing women’s development and overall national growth. Alongside economic prosperity, equal emphasis on social evolution is necessary to ensure that women can fully exercise their rights and realize their potential as equal citizens.