Your world: Alii Aqbour Chowdhury one year on

We spoke over a year ago. What has changed in your life and career?

I started working as the chief executive and academic director of The Certified Public Accountants and Tax Advisers, Bangladesh (CPA Bangladesh) at the end of last year. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, I am enjoying my new role along with the responsibilities of the regional director on behalf of the IFA.

What has happened in that time in your work with the IFA? 

Last year I told you I’d been working with IFA education manager Susan Divall and head of business development Jonathan Barber on an important project, and would let you know more details this year. We have launched an IFA-endorsed and accredited Post Graduate Diploma in Public Accounting and Taxation qualification at CPA Bangladesh, which is an academic route to the IFA Associate (AFA/MIPA) and Tax (ATA/AIPA) membership.

Since we last spoke, what has happened in Bangladesh?

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed our lives. We are now experiencing the second wave with a threat of the delta variant. The government is taking precautionary measures with lockdown and other restrictions.

Have your thoughts on doing business in Bangladesh changed since we last spoke. If so, how have they changed?

Bangladesh has been trying to improve its regulatory structures to get an upgrade in the Ease of Doing Business Index. In recent years it has intensified its eff orts to improve its ranking by making some improvements in business regulations.

What events have you run in the last year on behalf of the IFA?

We have organised three CPD webinars on income tax, VAT and transfer pricing, and two networking meetings since we spoke last year.

What is the future of the IFA in Bangladesh, and why?

The IFA team in UK, including CEO John Edwards, is very closely working with me to support the members in their continual professional development. It is the fi rst British IFAC member body that has endorsed and accredited Bangladeshi Income Tax and VAT Qualifications offered by the CPA Bangladesh.