Another proposed budget is on the table of parliament. This is a time for sharing ideas on broadening the tax network in our country. We have to build productive human resources and make them understand in a positive manner that they have to build this country together by giving all kinds of support the way we support our own families. Motivation is the key to convince the untaxed population to come under tax.
'Paying tax is not a matter of fear; rather it is a matter of great pride that I also directly take part in nation-building activities' should be the message from the NBR (National Board of Revenue) to the countrymen.
There can be a number of TV and radio commercials in drama format to make the yet-to-be taxpayers understand that they are losing an ample opportunity to contribute to the country's economy.
In 2011, as a report said, there were 50,000 bank accounts countrywide which had at least ten million taka balance over the past 12 months. We are sure, this number has increased by now. Lots of people have become 'filthy rich' in this country now.
Where does the money come from and where does it go? Do the payers and receivers of this money have TIN? If you have the opportunity to roam around thanas or unions of Bangladesh, you will see a large number of five to six storeyed private buildings constructed in past one decade.
Again, do the owners of these buildings in rural or semi-rural areas have TIN? Nobody perhaps knows the answer but one thing is sure that the money was deposited to some bank accounts.
A large number of NRBs (non-resident Bangladeshis) are sending money through illegal channels but the money at the end of the day goes to the bank accounts, for sure.
We have noticed two different pictures in the last one decade in semi-rural areas. One section of the people had financially gone bankrupt while a newly rich section at the semi-urban areas of the entire country has emerged within a short span of time. This
section has to be brought under tax-net.
A group of investigators can be deployed at 4,451 unions of 629 thanas just to list the newly-built private houses along with their owners' names and addresses.
Having got the list, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) will issue letters to their respective owners asking what the source of money for construction of their houses was and whether they have got TIN.
This can work as magic if the NBR can really collect such a list and issue letters. Both NBR and ACC (Anti-Corruption Commission) can jointly work on this initiative. But then the investigators have to be outright honest. If the money is fairly earned, it is fine. Otherwise its holders deserve punishment. This will set an example among others, especially people with ill-gotten money.
Once the letters from the NBR or the ACC land at their addresses, the news will automatically spread in the area. This initiative will be hailed by the general people of that area.
The writer is a communication trainer working on rural
education.
ziahasan69@gmail.com
Here comes the tax season
Khandaker Zia Hasan | Published: June 09, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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