The National Board of Revenue yesterday said it would continue to realise value added tax under the existing system.

"The NBR wants to collect VAT utilising its own skilled workforce in close cooperation with all businesspeople, especially the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry and other agencies.”

“The ongoing VAT collection activities will continue with active participation of all stakeholders. There is no doubt or scope for doubt about it," said the revenue authority in a statement.

The statement came after media reports that the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) had requested the NBR to amend the Mobile Court Act, 2009, allowing the special force's executive magistrates to conduct drives against VAT evaders.

The government aims at collecting Tk 1,76,371 crore VAT in the current fiscal year.

“Achieving the target is undoubtedly a challenging task. The revenue authorities have sought cooperation from all stakeholders in order to achieve the target.”

The NBR said Rab had shown interest in helping the NBR and had sent a proposal.

Following the Rab proposal in October last year, businesses expressed fear that allowing the special force to run mobile courts for collecting VAT would have a negative impact on the country's trade and investment.