Ripon Chandra Bhowmik

Divisional Head, Taxes and Finance


Mr. Ripon Chandra Bhowmik is a seasoned legal professional in Bangladesh with significant experience in taxes, finance, audit, and related matters. He provides expert guidance on tax compliance, financial regulations, and legal disputes. With a proven track record in handling complex cases and ensuring client satisfaction, Bhowmik is a valuable asset to the legal community. Mr. Bhowmik leads our Taxes and Finance Division comprising of Taxes and Finance departments, which is ranked under Corporate & Finance by Chambers and Partners 2023 Asia Pacific Guide.  The editorial says: “The practice is additionally recognised in areas such as business formation, M&A and employment matters, alongside energy, infrastructure and real estate matters. Advocates at the firm are knowledgeable on restructuring and insolvency procedures. Notable clients advised by the firm include the likes of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association…”

Mr. Bhowmik is an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. He has altogether nineteen years of background working in the field of corporate Taxes and Finance, including ten years of working as senior management of Accounts and Finance departments in leading companies. Throughout his expansive career, he has worked with various reputed multinational companies and organizations in Bangladesh, including but not limited to Christian Aid, Helvetas Bangladesh, etc. Mr. Bhowmik has also worked with an Audit and Accounting firm, which allowed him to be at the forefront of understanding and handling (on ground level) the complex taxation regime, for both direct and indirect taxes, and other fiscal matters in Bangladesh.

He has a proven track record in handling complex tax disputes, VAT issues, and financial transactions. His areas of expertise include representing clients in tax disputes, conducting tax audits, mitigating risks, developing effective tax strategies, resolving VAT disputes, overseeing VAT-related operations, ensuring compliance with VAT regulations, providing legal counsel on financial matters, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, driving sound financial decision-making, handling banking disputes, advising clients on tax compliance and lending agreements, assisting in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other corporate transactions, providing guidance on insider trading regulations, and representing clients in corporate governance matters. His comprehensive knowledge and experience make him a valuable asset for individuals and organizations seeking expert advice in these areas.

Organization Plan

The Divisional Head is a partner level position at Rahman’s Chambers. The person is responsible for the work of the entire Division he/she leads. Depending on the expertise he/she has, the person may be a senior member/member of one/more department under different division.  

Dispute Resolution

 

  • We have recently acted on behalf of our client SAPL Industries Private Limited to take permission for holding AGM from the Hon’ble High Court Division of the Supreme C
  • We have recently acted on behalf of our client SKYNET POWER LIMITED to take permission for holding AGM from the Hon’ble High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh.
  • We have acted on behalf of our client Ralph Lauren, in obtaining permission from the High Court to conduct their Annual General Meeting (AGM). Due to unforeseen circumstances, the company was unable to convene its AGM within the statutory timeline prescribed by law. Thus as per rules a permission was required from the Hon’ble High Court Division to Conduct the AGM.

Taxes and Finance

Taxation

Tax

Mr. Bhowmik possesses extensive expertise in various tax-related matters. His experience also includes representing clients in tax disputes before the High Court, Tax Appellate Tribunal. Mr. Bhowmik is proficient in navigating complex tax laws and regulations, ensuring compliance and minimizing tax liabilities. He has a proven track record in conducting tax audits, mitigating risks, and developing effective tax strategies. Mr. Bhowmik has experience in dealing with disputes related to the rejection of trading account transactions and the imposition of fictitious profit. He has a strong background in preparing and filing individual and corporate income tax returns.

Some of Mr. Bhowmik’s notable works on behalf of the Firm include:

  • Successfully acted on behalf of our client by filing an Income Tax Reference on behalf of our client against the order passed by the Taxes Appellate Tribunal upholding a maximum penalty of BDT. 52,67,725/-
  • Successfully acted on behalf of multiple of our clients by Submitting the Individual Income Tax Returns.

VAT

Mr. Bhowmik is a seasoned professional in VAT management. Mr. Bhowmic has a strong track record in resolving VAT disputes, including those related to input VAT, inventory lists, and penalty assessments. He has successfully challenged VAT claims through ADR and defended clients before VAT Appeal Tribunals. He has a deep understanding of VAT laws and regulations, including their practical application in various business contexts. Mr. Bhowmik is adept at overseeing VAT-related day-to-day operations for large groups of companies, ensuring compliance with VAT regulations and minimizing VAT burdens. Mr. Bhowmik maintains strong communication with VAT authorities, handles VAT audits effectively, and calculates the total tax impact of various products and transactions. He is skilled in developing standard operating procedures for VAT departments, ensuring adherence to laws and regulations, and implementing robust risk management and internal control systems.

Customs

Some of Mr. Bhowmik’s notable works on behalf of the Firm include:

  • Successfully assisted our client by providing 56 HSN codes along with the TTI for the spare parts which is intended to be imported by our client from ISHIDA.
  • Successfully assisted our client by providing the HSN Code along with the duty rate for the product named water chiller along with the exception available for the product
  • Successfully assisted our client by providing the 76 HSN Codes along with the duty rate for the spare parts that the client intends to import from Ishida.
  • Successfully assisted our client by providing the HSN code of Thermal Oil Heater and 21 HSN Code along eith the duty rate for the spare parts of the Thermal oil Heater along with the exemption available for the part

Finance

Mr. Bhowmik’s comprehensive expertise in finance and law, combined with his experience as a financial attorney, positions him as a valuable asset to any organization. His deep understanding of financial regulations, coupled with his ability to navigate complex legal landscapes, ensures compliance and mitigates risks. His proficiency in financial analysis, strategic planning, and accounting operations demonstrates his ability to drive sound financial decision-making. As a financial attorney, Mr. Bhowmik brings a unique perspective to financial matters, providing legal counsel and guidance to ensure the organization’s financial health and compliance.

Corporate finance 

Mr. Bhowmic has a proven track record in handling a wide range of banking disputes, from interest calculations and payment adjustments to excessive claims. He has successfully secured moratoriums and installment payments for clients facing insolvency, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex tax matters. Additionally, Mr. Bhowmic has extensive experience in advising clients on tax compliance, security documentation, and various lending agreements.

Mr. Bhowmik provides legal advice on a variety of transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, private equity, venture capital, debt financing, and equity offerings. He assist clients in structuring and negotiating these deals, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and protecting their interests.

Some of Mr. Bhowmik’s notable works on behalf of the Firm include:

  • Successfully acted and advised Maruha Nichiro Corporation (MNC), one of the world’s largest companies in fisheries with share transfer and acquisition, and various compliance-related matters.
  • Successfully assisted and advised our Client, G.A.B. Limited on the issuance of preference shares and related issues on redemption provisions, applicable interest rates, etc.
  • Successfully assisted and advised our Client, Li & Fung (Bangladesh) Ltd. on various legal and compliance-related issues for their HR Policy Handbook under the labour law provisions of Bangladesh.
  • Successfully advised our client, PepsiCo. Inc. on various issues related to BIDA industrial registration, IRC/ERC, and other license and related issues in Bangladesh.
  • Successfully represented our client, X-Press Feeders in the incorporation of a local company in Bangladesh and advised on issues related to the financing of ships/vessels, shareholding structuring, taxation, BIDA and FOREX-related issues on foreign loans, etc.
  • Successfully acted and represented our Client, SAPL Industries Private Limited in the members’ voluntary winding-up proceeding in Bangladesh.
  • Successfully advised and assisted our client, Social Services and Management Trust, on financing and land-related legal due diligence reports.
  • Successfully advised and assisted our client, Armada Spinning Mills Limited, on financing and land-related legal due diligence reports.
  • Successfully advised our client, Ko-Bangla Construction & Development Ltd on corporate financing and other investment-related issues.
  • Successfully advised our client, Zass Technology Limited on corporate financing and other foreign investment compliance-related issues.
  • Successfully advised our client, ABGT Bangladesh Representative Office on corporate financing and other statutory compliance-related issues.
  • Successfully acted on behalf of our client Ralph Lauren, in obtaining permission from the Hon’ble High Court to conduct their Annual General Meeting (AGM), on account of the lapse of the statutory period for conducting its AGM due to unavoidable circumstances.
  • Successfully acted on behalf of our client SKYNET POWER LIMITED to obtain permission for holding AGM from the Hon’ble High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh.
  • Successfully acted on behalf of our client SAPL Industries Private Limited to take permission for holding AGM from the Hon’ble High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh

Securities law 

Mr. Bhowmik provide guidance on insider trading regulations and represent clients in proxy contests and other corporate governance matters.

Education

  • MPA (Master of Public Affairs), on HRM, University of Dhaka (2017)
  • LLB (Hons), National University, Bangladesh (2007)
  • PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management), Open University (2006)
  • M.Com (Masters in Commerce), Comilla Victoria College, (1998)
  • B.Com (Bachelors in Commerce), Comilla Victoria College, (1997)

Legal Qualification

  • Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh (2022)
  • Advocate, District Court of Bangladesh (2009)
  • Member of “The Dhaka Taxes Bar Association” (2010)
  • Member of “The Bangladesh VAT Professional Forum” (2015)

Employment History

  • Divisional Head, Taxes and Finance Division, Rahmans Chambers (2024 – ongoing)
  • Sr. Manager (Audit, VAT & TAX) KAZI ZAHIR KHAN & CO. (2023-24)
  • Sr. Finance and Service Manager Helvetas Bangladesh (2022-23)
  • Sr. Advisor (Finance & Operations) Drik Picture Library Ltd. (2021)
  • Finance & Administration Manager British Council (2020-21)
  • Operations Manager Plan International (2018-20)
  • Country Finance Manager Christian Aid (2015-18)
  • National Finance Manager Terre des homes (2012-15)
  • Finance Officer United Purposes (2011-12)
  • Finance Officer United Purposes (2006-08)
  • Executive Accounts & Finance Uttara Motors Ltd (2003-06)
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