Staff Reporter:
The much-publicized VAT Online Project, launched with promises of delivering hassle-free digital tax services, has allegedly degenerated into a hub of corruption. Despite an allocation of nearly Tk 2,500 crore, allegations suggest that thousands of crores were siphoned off without providing taxpayers with real online facilities.
A written complaint was recently filed with the Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) against Muhammad Zakir Hossain, a 21st batch Customs cadre officer of the National Board of Revenue (NBR). The complaint was lodged by A.R. Sani of Bismillah Packaging, who accused Zakir of masterminding large-scale irregularities in the project.
Allegations of Fake Bills and Shell Companies.
According to the complaint, foreign software quotations were deliberately inflated several times above actual costs. A shell company named Dhrupadi Techno Consortium Limited was allegedly used to launder vast sums. Though little genuine service was delivered, the project was declared a “success” on paper.
Sani further alleged that officials pocketed 30–40 percent of project funds, while taxpayers were forced to pay hefty bribes for VAT registration, TIN issuance, and tax IDs. Businessmen reportedly had to pay Tk 30,000–40,000 for a TIN and Tk 20,000–30,000 for VAT registration.
Personal Gain Through Influence
The complaint claimed that officials like Zakir Hossain held their positions for years by exploiting political patronage and university alumni networks. Membership fees for taxpayers, which were Tk 300 in 2012, were later raised to Tk 3,000 during the 2020–24 tenure—funds that, according to the complaint, were pocketed as illegal “contributions.”
In one cited case, Zakir’s brother-in-law allegedly received the project’s air-conditioner supply order. While Media-brand ACs worth Tk 40,000 were supplied, bills were shown as Tk 1.3 lakh.
Luxury Trips and Illicit Wealth
Senior officials are also accused of spending project loans on lavish foreign trips under the guise of “training programs.” Beyond the project, Zakir Hossain was accused of fabric consignment fraud at Benapole Customs House and extortion schemes at Chattogram VAT Audit.
Sani alleged that Zakir’s wife controls several bond institutions and was once detained at the airport with gold bars during his tenure as VAT Commissioner in Jashore. The matter was reportedly hushed up through political influence.
Banani Club Membership and Questionable Assets
The complaint further stated that Zakir secured a permanent membership at Banani Club in exchange for Tk 30 lakh. The complaint includes a copy of his membership application, a Tk 30 lakh cheque from First Security Islami Bank Ltd. (Bashundhara branch), and a deposit slip.
Sani also claimed that Zakir authored books on VAT law and tax administration, which he described as “built on corrupt practices rather than genuine expertise.”
With illicit funds, Zakir has reportedly amassed large amounts of undisclosed wealth in Dhaka and his ancestral village, Veluar Char in Raipura, Narsingdi.
ACC sources confirmed that the complaint has been taken into consideration and an initial inquiry has begun.
When attempts were made to contact Mohammad Zakir Hossain for his comments over the phone, he repeatedly disconnected the call as soon as it rang. Later, when approached directly at his office to get his statement regarding the complaint, his assistant Prince said, “Sir is in a meeting. When you come, I usually speak on behalf of Sir.”
Regarding collecting Zakir Hossain’s statement, he added, “You can come another day.” Even after returning later, it was still not possible to obtain Zakir Hossain’s comment.