DHAKA: National Board of Revenue (NBR) emerged as a “cigarette loving” institution of the country despite the government’s official position against tobacco.

When the central bank imposed restriction on loan for tobacco cultivation, the NBR gave two cigarette companies “credit facility” in realizing their revenues.

The staggering “special facility” amounted to be Tk 3,780 crpre in last 21 years, sources concerned said.

They said that the NBR, bypassing the restriction of the Bangladesh Bank, had been giving band-roll facilities to British American Tobacco (BAT) and Dhaka Tobacco Company (DTC).

Under the “unethical” facility, the BAT got “credit facility” in band roll of Tk 80 crore in every 15 days while DTC Tk Tk 40 crore.

The “extra care” turned in cash facility amounted to be Tk 3,780 crore from 1991 to 2011 when Finance Minister stopped such facility for cigarette companies.

Sources concerned said that the NBR gave the band roll facility mentioning that the “revenue is payable in 15 days” paving the way for protecting them from legal action as well as tax evasion.

The local `bidi’ companies however did not get such facilities. The `bidi’ companies have to buy band roll in advance from post offices.

BDST: 1155 HRS, MAY 10 , 2014