Be proactive to boost revenue collection
Staff Reporter :
Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has called on tax lawyers to take a more proactive and transparent role in boosting Bangladesh’s revenue collection, stressing that their responsibility lies not only in representing clients but also in helping build a culture of compliance.
“Represent your clients as a bridge, not a barrier. Please don’t keep the government in the dark. Help us,” he urged while inaugurating the Tax Representative Management System (TRMS) software at the National Board of Revenue (NBR) headquarters in Dhaka on Sunday.
The adviser hailed the launch of the TRMS as a “milestone reform”, noting that it will modernize tax filing for individuals, businesses, and government officials alike.
“This software is not just a technological upgrade-it’s a shift in mindset. It reduces paperwork, cuts delays, and creates space for more transparent interactions between taxpayers and the administration,” he said.
Ahmed highlighted long-standing weaknesses in the country’s revenue system, including excessive bureaucracy, harassment of taxpayers, and a lack of recognition for the dedication of tax officials.
“Often officers do thankless work. They process assessments, yet taxpayers complain, ‘He made me run around for days.’ That cycle needs to end,” he remarked.
He criticized the entrenched culture of inefficiency and corruption that forces citizens to pay bribes for basic services, from licence
renewals to telephone connections.
“People shouldn’t have to call 50 times to get something done. This is why ordinary taxpayers lose trust. But if they receive efficient and respectful service, they won’t hesitate to pay taxes,” Ahmed said.
The adviser also urged lawyers and tax professionals to embrace professionalism, avoid unnecessary delays, and focus on problem-solving for clients. “Don’t just advise-get things done. A service culture built on accountability and efficiency is the real reform Bangladesh needs,” he added.
NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan, who also spoke at the event, emphasized that the success of the TRMS depends on active cooperation from all stakeholders, particularly tax representatives who act as the first point of contact for many taxpayers.
Bangladesh has long struggled with one of the lowest tax-to-GDP ratios in South Asia, a challenge the government is trying to overcome through digitalisation, enforcement, and a culture of voluntary compliance.
The adviser’s remarks reflect growing urgency to widen the tax net and reduce dependency on external borrowing at a time of mounting fiscal pressures.