PM stresses simplifying tax management, fighting corruption

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for a fundamental shift in Bangladesh's revenue administration, stressing the need for simplified, corruption-free tax management and collection. Addressing the Revenue Conference 2026, he advocated for transforming the National Board of Revenue (NBR) into a trusted, people-friendly institution that encourages voluntary tax payments.

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Repeatedly increasing the tax burden on the same taxpayers is not a sustainable way to increase revenue. Rather, it is very necessary to identify the people who are able to pay tax and bring them under tax net through proper measures. Thus, there is no alternative to building a digitally modern, data-driven tax administration.

"Repeatedly increasing the tax burden on the same taxpayers is not a sustainable way to increase revenue," the Prime Minister stated. He emphasized that the focus should be on identifying individuals and entities capable of paying taxes and bringing them into the tax net through effective measures. This approach, he argued, necessitates building a digitally modern, data-driven tax administration.

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I hope you will be able to make the NBR a more trustworthy and reliable institution for the people. It is necessary to protect the interests of the institution as well as the country above all rather than individual interests.

Recognizing Value Added Tax (VAT) as a crucial revenue source, Rahman highlighted the importance of its effective implementation, ensuring that administrative complexities do not impede business and trade. He urged revenue officials to prioritize institutional and national interests above personal gain, acknowledging that past issues had eroded public confidence in the NBR. "It is now our turn to bounce back," he declared, referencing a vision of Bangladesh free from fascism.

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These were among the reasons for the erosion of public confidence in the NBR. But in a Bangladesh free from fascism, it is now our turn to bounce back.

The Prime Minister also underscored the evolving landscape of the global economy, stating that a clear understanding of the digital economy, e-commerce, transfer pricing, international taxation, financial crimes, money laundering, and artificial intelligence is now essential for tax officials. He noted that Bangladesh's tax-to-GDP ratio remains below its potential, with a significant portion of the economy operating informally. To address this, he called for reducing reliance on existing taxpayers and strengthening the trust between taxpayers and the revenue administration, aiming for a system where more people pay taxes voluntarily.

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This proves that you can do it. You certainly can, In Shaa Allah. What we all need is patriotism and sincerity. Let us work together to build a strong revenue system for a prosperous Bangladesh.