25,200 crore VAT evaded by Diamond World

Owned by Awami League member Dilip Kumar Agarwala, Diamond World has been accused of evading value-added tax (VAT) of Tk25,200 crore in the last 15 years. However, the investigation against the company was covered up with the direct intervention of top figures of the deposed Awami League government. Agarwala has evaded VAT worth Tk1,620 crore annually and has not paid any VAT during the 15 years of Awami League's rule. Agarwala used influence to halt the investigation and prevent legal action against him. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has complained about Agarwala, alleging he has acquired illegal assets worth hundreds of crores of taka by smuggling gold and diamonds. The Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) of the NBR and the ACC initiated an investigation into Agarwala's income tax returns and VAT falsification, but the investigation remains mysteriously concealed. Agarwala served as a member of the Awami League's sub-committee on industrial affairs and was a donor to the Awami League. He was also involved in gold smuggling and funded police action against students during the recent quota reform movement. Despite being an accused, Agarwala continues to operate openly.