The interim government's Finance Advisor, Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has announced that business owners and doctors in rural areas who earn taxable incomes but do not pay taxes will now be brought under the tax net.
To implement this, District Commissioners (DCs) have been given strict instructions to identify such individuals in their respective areas.
Speaking at the second session of the Ministry of Finance discussions during the second day of the District Commissioners' (DC) Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Monday (February 17), Dr. Ahmed emphasized the need to increase tax collection to boost national revenue.
He stated that many people in rural areas have substantial incomes but are not paying taxes, as reported by DCs. "We aim to enhance tax collection and expand the tax base. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) will take necessary steps, and the DCs will provide a list of such individuals," he said.
Additionally, efforts will be made to ensure that doctors and lawyers across the country are taxed appropriately. The government plans to introduce measures that require them to issue receipts or use digital payment systems for transactions, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Dr. Ahmed pointed out that many professionals, including doctors and lawyers, primarily conduct transactions in cash, making it difficult to track their earnings. "Doctors often do not provide receipts for their fees. If payments are made digitally, transactions will be recorded. In developed countries, such practices are standard," he explained.
He also stressed the importance of field-level government officials in implementing policies efficiently. "Effective service delivery depends on skilled and service-oriented field officers. If they perform well, the public will benefit significantly," he added.
Regarding employment generation, Dr. Ahmed highlighted the importance of local job creation. He cited China's successful rural industries, where products from remote villages reach global markets.
"In China, even a product made in a small village can be found in Walmart in the United States. In contrast, Bangladeshi rural products often remain undiscovered due to a lack of proper market access. Without improved connectivity, balanced development is not possible," he said.
He also acknowledged concerns raised by DCs, particularly regarding infrastructure in remote areas. They emphasized the need for better transportation facilities for students and easier access to loans for small entrepreneurs in the SME sector. The government plans to address these issues to support economic growth.
Furthermore, Dr Ahmed highlighted the crucial role of agriculture in sustaining the population.
"Agriculture remains a major source of livelihood in rural areas. Without a strong agricultural sector, feeding our growing population would be a challenge. We have asked the DCs to ensure necessary support for farmers," he concluded.
