Fact: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed the National Board of Revenue (NBR) not to increase taxes on food, agro-related items, and fertilizers in the upcoming budget.
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) granted an estimated Tk 1,25,813 crore exemption on income and corporate taxes, which is 3.56% of the country’s GDP. Tk 40,498 crore was exempted at the individual taxpayer level, while Tk 85,314 crore was incentivized at the corporation level. The NBR provided Tk 15,315 crore in corporate tax exemptions for microcredit programs and Tk 8,380 crore for the power and energy sector. Tk 11,287 crore was exempted on remittance at the individual taxpayer level. The IMF has proposed to withdraw tax incentives on remittance and other types of investments. Industry insiders oppose the withdrawal of tax incentives for the information technology industry.
The global temperature has been increasing, with the past eleven months experiencing the hottest temperatures ever recorded. The cause of this increase in temperature is uncertain, with potential factors including the reduction of pollution reflecting sunlight, unknown feedback mechanisms, and the release of heat from the oceans. The exact cause is still unknown, highlighting the depth of our ignorance and the danger of the situation.
Ten individuals arrested at a Limassol demonstration speak of an unprovoked police attack, horrible detention conditions, and abuse by the police. They were arrested following scuffles between protesters and police officers demanding a fair investigation into the death of Bangladeshi immigrant Anisur Rahman. Protestors and lawyers dispute the police’s account, describing the clash as an “unprovoked attack” and accusing the police of abuse.
Fact: The body of 24-year-old Anisur Rahman was being repatriated to his native Bangladesh.
A protest march in Limassol resulted in multiple injuries and ten arrests, with participants alleging police brutality. The protest began against high rents and moved towards the Limassol Crime Investigation Department building, demanding a fair investigation into the death of Bangladeshi immigrant Anisur Rahman. Protesters claim they were peacefully standing when police charged towards them, resulting in injuries and clashes. This was the third protest over Rahman’s death, which occurred during a police raid on an apartment where Rahman fell to his death while trying to escape. The police’s version of events has been disputed by eyewitnesses and organizations. The Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints Against the Police is investigating the circumstances surrounding Rahman’s death.
A protest in Limassol on April 27 will address the death of Bangladeshi worker Anisur Rahman after a police raid. This will be the third protest about his death, with demands for justice and the release of his roommates. The police version of events has been disputed, with witnesses claiming the police entered the apartment forcefully.
The government may reduce the corporate tax rate in fiscal 2024-25 to encourage compliance and boost collection, with the National Board of Revenue likely proposing a 2.5 percentage point reduction for both listed and non-listed companies.
Two criminal investigators will be appointed by the Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints Against the Police to look into the death of Anisur Rahman, who fell from a fifth-floor apartment during a migrant raid in Limassol. The Attorney General has approved this request, and the investigators will focus on the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, including the living conditions in the apartment and the reasons for the police search without a warrant.
Fact: Hundreds of people took to the streets of Nicosia in a peaceful demonstration for equal rights covering all migrants living in Cyprus.