Dhaka, Feb. 8 -- Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) President Mohammad Hatem has said the current tax system discourages investment, and called for substantial reforms in the tax structure.

The BKMEA president was speaking on Saturday as the chief guest at the biennial general meeting of the Bangladesh Labour Rights Journalists Forum (BLRJF) at Tamanna World Family Park in Dhaka. BLRJF President Kazi Abdul Hannan chaired the meeting, with its General Secretary Ataur Rahman overseeing the programme.

Hatem said, "The NBR imposed multiple taxes on businessmen. For instance, when raw materials are imported, customs collect advance income tax (AIT) along with duties. At the end of the year, a businessman file...