Increasing tax revenue is necessary

It is indeed unfortunate and shameful that in a country of 160 million people, only 2.8 million people have Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or actually pay taxes.

A prime reason behind lower rate of taxes being paid is corruption. Bangladesh has the lowest Tax-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio in this region.

Both government and the people should work from their respective positions to change this situation. The government should find ways to curb corruption and ensure development. This will justify the need for taxes from citizens.

The citizens should pay taxes regularly if they want to enjoy public services and properties that they receive for free on a daily basis.

Iqbal Siddique

Shahjahanpur, Dhaka