A path to a fear-free revenue system

Staff Reporter :

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has urged the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to avoid harassing taxpayers during tax collection, emphasising the need for a more taxpayer-friendly approach.

He called for a shift in attitude to ensure taxpayers no longer fear interacting with the revenue department.

Addressing tax officials, Dr Salehuddin said, “Collect as much tax as possible to meet the country’s demands, but do not do so by placing undue pressure on the common people.

Ensure the process is as smooth as possible, particularly for those who come forward voluntarily to pay their taxes.”Dr Salehuddin made these remarks on Saturday during a discussion on the recent changes to direct taxation, introduced through the Finance Act 2024, at the NBR Multipurpose Hall in Agargaon, Dhaka.

Reflecting on the current political and social climate, Dr Salehuddin mentioned that Bangladesh has a historic opportunity to forge a new path following the ‘July revolution,’ which was driven by students and the wider public.

“We must leave behind outdated practices and focus on building a new Bangladesh,” he added.

FOCUS ON FINANCIAL SECTOR REFORMS
Commenting on the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the financial sector, Dr Salehuddin stressed the importance of reforms in both the revenue and banking sectors for the country’s economic stability.

“We are committed and serious about implementing reforms in the banking and revenue sectors, and we ask that tax officials work to support these efforts as soon as possible,” he stated.

Dr Salehuddin also expressed concerns regarding foreign investment, suggesting that the government should prioritise increasing internal revenue collection over reliance on foreign loans.

“We need to focus on internal revenue generation and reduce unnecessary government spending,” he advised.

In his remarks, Dr Salehuddin acknowledged that a portion of taxpayer revenue is often misused, urging the NBR to address this issue.

He noted that a visiting US delegation would prioritise discussions on the economy in the coming days and said, “They (the US) may offer us support based on our needs.

At the very least, we can show that we’ve initiated tax reforms and motivated our officials. This could provide some assurance to our partners.”

NBR CHAIRMAN REASSURES TAXPAYERS
At the same event, NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan assured attendees that taxes would not be collected by force.

“From now on, taxpayers will receive relief, not oppression,” he said, announcing plans to make NBR laws more business-friendly. He also encouraged the submission of tax returns online, aiming to streamline the process.

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