DHAKA: The High Court on Sunday (Dec 10) issued a rule asking authorities concerned to explain why it should not declare illegal the collection of additional holding tax from residents under Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).

An HC bench comprising Justice Tarique-ul Hakim and Justice M Faruk issued the rule following a writ filed by more than one hundred residents of city’s Khilgaon area.

A total of five people including the Local Government Secretary, Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor, Chief Executive Officer were made respondent to the rule.

Barrister Md. Moktadir Rahman moved for the petitioners in court. 

Later it has been known that a gazette was published in 2015 according to the Municipal City Corporation Taxation Rules-1986.

According to that gazette, tax on buildings and land is fixed at 7 percent, on dirt removal at 7 percent and 5 percent on street lights. However, the DSCC in some cases collected 320 percent to 976 percent tax.

A total of 104 residents of Khilgaon area filed the writ challenging the legality of this action.

BDST: 1520 HRS, DEC 10, 2017
AP/SMS