Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called for the establishment of a transparent and technology-driven revenue system that ensures citizens can trust their hard-earned money is used effectively for welfare and development.
“The interim government is committed to creating a well-structured, just, and public trust-based financial framework. To achieve this, we are working to implement a technology-driven, hassle-free VAT system,” he said in a message on the occasion of Value Added Tax (VAT) Day and VAT Week 2025.
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is observing VAT Day today and VAT Week from December 10-15, focusing on the importance of timely registration under this year’s theme, “Register on Time, Pay VAT Accurately.”
Prof Yunus emphasized the vision of a future where economic transactions are fully transparent, the business environment is business-friendly, and state services are quality-driven and universally accessible. He expressed hope that, upholding the spirit of the July mass uprising, a simplified and transparent revenue system will emerge, allowing citizens to clearly see that their taxes are genuinely invested in public welfare.
“Establishing the principle that people’s money is used for the people’s welfare is at the heart of our collective efforts,” the Chief Adviser added. He also extended greetings and congratulations to businessmen, consumers, revenue officials, and all involved in VAT collection.
Prof Yunus highlighted that VAT is a major source of domestic revenue, and a transparent, effective, and accountable VAT system is essential for the country’s stable and sustainable economic growth.
“The core inspiration of the July movement was to uphold the dignity of the people and accountability in governance. VAT Day reinforces these values,” he said.
Meanwhile, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed raised concerns over persistent VAT evasion, noting that although consumers regularly pay VAT, the money often fails to reach state coffers. Speaking at a seminar at the NBR headquarters in Dhaka, presided over by NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan, Ahmed described this as a “deep-rooted flaw” in the system.
He stressed the need for a transparent and straightforward VAT framework, saying, “If VAT is paid at the counter, it must go directly to the government.
There should be no room for manipulation.” Ahmed warned that consumer habits—actively seeking VAT-free shops encourage businesses to withhold VAT, undermining public revenue.
“People are more willing to pay taxes when they trust the system. In some countries, tax-to-GDP ratios reach 26 percent because citizens are confident their money will be used properly,” he said.
Sharing an example from India, he noted how pharmacies there refuse to dispense medicine without issuing a cash memo, embedding accountability into everyday transactions. “We need to cultivate similar practices in Bangladesh,” he added.
Ahmed concluded, “These values of transparency and responsibility must grow within our society to ensure a fair and effective revenue system.”
