Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today emphasized the need for a simplified, corruption-free tax management system to encourage voluntary tax compliance among citizens. Speaking at the Revenue Conference 2026, held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, he called for the transformation of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) into a trusted, people-friendly institution.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of identifying capable taxpayers and incorporating them into the tax net through proper measures, rather than repeatedly burdening existing taxpayers. He highlighted the necessity of building a digitally advanced, data-driven tax administration to achieve this goal.
During his address, Rahman described Value Added Tax (VAT) as a crucial revenue source in a modern economy, emphasizing that effective implementation should not impede business activities. He advocated for establishing a trustful relationship between taxpayers and the revenue administration to facilitate easier revenue collection.
The Prime Minister advised revenue officials to prioritize the nation's interests over personal gains, expressing hope that the NBR would emerge as a more reliable institution. He reflected on past challenges, noting that the NBR had suffered during a period of "fascist rule" and called for a national resurgence in a fascism-free Bangladesh.
Rahman underscored the significance of effective revenue management in driving the government's development plans and urged the officials to meet taxpayers' expectations through an efficient system. He also highlighted the need for revenue officials to acquire diverse skills to address evolving economic challenges, including understanding digital economy dynamics and international taxation.
Acknowledging Bangladesh's low tax-to-GDP ratio and a largely informal economy, Rahman urged for a reduction in dependence on regular taxpayers and fostering trust between taxpayers and the administration. He articulated the government's vision of building a "new Bangladesh" by involving all citizens and respecting their contributions.
The Prime Minister concluded by encouraging officials to work confidently for national development, emphasizing patriotism and sincerity as key ingredients for building a robust revenue system. The conference featured open discussions on revenue collection, with Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir also contributing their insights. Rahman later engaged with senior NBR officials and explored digital presentations at the event.