High Court orders Grameen Kalyan to pay Tk 6.66 billion in tax dues

The High Court bench issued the directive following a legal challenge regarding Grameen Kalyan's accumulated tax liabilities. The organisation, which operates healthcare services across the country, had been engaged in proceedings with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) over the assessment and payment of taxes owed to the state.

Grameen Kalyan provides medical and health insurance services to members of Grameen Bank and other microfinance institutions. The tax dispute centres on assessment periods spanning several years, during which the organisation allegedly failed to meet its full tax obligations to the government.

The High Court's order requires Grameen Kalyan to remit the total amount within a specified timeframe, though details regarding payment schedules and any provisions for appeal remain to be clarified. The ruling is expected to have implications for how other microfinance-related organisations handle their tax compliance moving forward.

This decision underscores the government's increased focus on ensuring that all commercial entities, regardless of their social mission, meet their statutory tax responsibilities. The case is likely to set precedent for similar disputes involving non-profit and microfinance organisations operating in Bangladesh.