‘I pay taxes to support Bangladesh’s development’

“The business community has some responsibilities towards society and building a nation. Everyone should pay taxes to support the development of Bangladesh respecting the laws,” Kaus Miah, the owner of Kaus Chemical Co, told The Business Post’s Abdur Razzak Sohel in an exclusive interview

Kaus has yet again achieved the honour of Bangladesh’s top taxpayer, a trend that continues ever since the country introduced tax cards in FY11. He paid around Tk 45 crore in taxes for 2020-21 fiscal year.

The doctors advised you to rest, but you are still looking after your business at the age of 92. Why you are still involved?

Thanks to the almighty who gave me the opportunity to establish my business. It has become tough for me to work as strongly as I did in my younger days. But I am still fond of my business.

I find happiness in looking after my company. I spend a significant time from morning till the night in my office and I still love to work.

Despite your father’s plans to educate you further, you have been doing business since you were a teenager. Why did you choose business?

I belong to a family of businessmen, and my ancestors were well established in trade and commerce. Those who are involved in business they can enjoy more freedom than any other jobs.

When you are involved in job, you have no freedom and face restrictions. I like to work freely. Besides, the business community can help the society by boosting empowerment and aiding the helpless.

You have been consistently winning the award for top taxpayer. What are your feelings on this reward?

I feel happy when I receive such rewards from the government. Respect is more important than money. I have been paying taxes to the government following the law. Though the almighty has blessed me with wealth, I am still the person I was before I became wealthy.

Money has made no impacts on my lifestyle. I always try to pay my taxes timely following the law.

What are the factors that inspire you to pay taxes?

The country has rules and regulations. Everyone must follow the law, and it is mandatory for everyone eligible to pay taxes. Nobody should break the law. Those who do not pay taxes will not be able to shine in life. These people will fall behind.

Moreover, we have some responsibilities to this country. Everyone must pay taxes to support the development of Bangladesh.

Your experience with business spans from the British period to the present. What are the challenges to making a business successful in the country?

Those who want to achieve success in business must believe in themselves. Besides, the government must provide proper policy support to entrepreneurs.

The business people are not getting proper policy support. Besides, many businesses also suffer because of irregularities. Sometimes, businesses face harassment too while running their operations.

These issued must be tackled to inspire the business sector.

The young generation is running after jobs instead of business. Even the business students prefer employment. What are your suggestions to the young generation?

Those who work a job become restricted, and business is for those who love freedom in life. Job cannot provide the freedom businesses do. The businesses can provide jobs to others.

My recommendation for the youth is to engage in business with honesty, and follow all rules and regulations.

You have stood by the poor, especially in your youth. How are you carrying this good work forward?

I think helping the people is important than any other job, and I have done this to the best of my abilities all my life. I am now 92 years old, and I can no longer move around and help the needy. But my support for the underprivileged continues.

I continue to feel the plight of helpless people with my heart. I told my children to follow my example and help the people as best as they can.