Dhaka:Prime Minister's Adviser for Public Administration and BNP National Standing Committee member Md Ismail Zabihullah emphasized the importance of incorporating newly eligible taxpayers into the tax net without imposing extra burdens on current taxpayers.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Zabihullah made these remarks as the chief guest at the 3rd Orientation Ceremony and MTM Night 2026, organized by the Dhaka University Master of Tax Management (MTM) Alumni Association at a city hotel on Saturday.
He highlighted that democratizing the economy would increase taxpayer numbers and facilitate revenue collection for national development. Zabihullah stressed the need for professionals to support sustainable economic progress and noted the government's aim to transform Bangladesh into a $1 trillion economy by 2034. He underscored the commitment to a production-oriented, investment-friendly, and self-reliant economy.
Zabihullah pointed out that Bangladesh's tax-to-GDP ratio is around 6.7 percent, lower than India's 12 percent and China's 20 percent. He called for reforms in tax management to increase revenue mobilization and ensure hassle-free services for taxpayers, encouraging voluntary compliance.
Addressing MTM alumni, he urged them to show integrity and efficiency in their roles and to advise the government on reducing tax complexities, expanding digital tax systems, and preventing revenue evasion. Zabihullah also emphasized raising public awareness about taxation.