NBR to introduce tax education in school curriculum
Business Report :
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has initiated a move to incorporate tax-related content into the national education curriculum, aiming to instill awareness about the importance of taxation from an early age.
At present, NBR officials acknowledge that Bangladesh lacks tax education at any academic level, which contributes to a general apathy toward tax compliance among citizens.
Experts welcomed the move saying it will be important matter.
When contacted former NBR chairman Muhammad Abdul Majid on Monday told The New Nation, “If the future citizens could be aware over the tax systems and its importance through the curriculum, it will be more significant for the nation.”
He said, such positive things should be accept swiftly.
Sources said, this new initiative seeks to foster a sense of fiscal responsibility among students from the beginning of their academic journey, ultimately promoting a culture of voluntary tax compliance in the long run.
“We intend to include tax-related content across various levels of education, from primary to higher secondary,” said a senior NBR official, who requested anonymity as the initiative has not yet been finalized.
He noted that discussions have already taken place with several retired NBR officials known for their writing skills to help design the curriculum.
“However, the process is still in its preliminary stages,” he added.
He emphasized that fostering a tax-compliant culture in the country is impossible without educating the general public about the tax system.
“People will not become compliant unless they are educated about taxes-this is the key issue,” he stressed.
To address this, the NBR is taking steps to introduce tax education into school textbooks from the primary level onwards.
At the primary stage, students will be introduced to basic concepts such as what tax is, how taxes are paid, the consequences of tax evasion, and the role of taxes in government functions.
“At the secondary level, students will learn simple tax calculations, while at the higher secondary level, they will be taught how to fill out basic tax forms,” the official explained.
In addition, the NBR recently organized a nationwide essay competition aimed at raising public awareness about taxation.
“To prepare their essays, participants had to research tax systems in different countries, study their structures, and explore how various societies approach taxation,” he said.
During pre-budget discussions, NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan underscored the importance of early education in building tax awareness.
He proposed the development of engaging and age-appropriate materials, such as cartoons and simplified texts, for pre-primary and primary students.