AL concerned over state of economy

Staff Correspondent
A joint meeting of two sub-committees of the main opposition Awami League yesterday discussed the pros and cons of the national budget for 2004-05 fiscal and expressed deep concern at the current state of economy.

The meeting laid emphasis on the protection of people's interests and local industries, stopping harassment of VAT (Value Added Tax) payers and introduction of transparent taxation system.

Shah AMS Kibria, former finance minister, presided over the joint meeting of the sub-committees on industries and commerce, and finance and planning.

Faruk Khan MP, Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed, Ali Ashraf, Mustafa Kamal, Mohammad Tajul Islam, Prof Ashraf uddin and Liton Saha were present at the meeting.