A call for tax officials to uphold integrity and ethical standards in serving the country and its people dominated the 46th meeting of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) Advisory Committee, held on Tuesday at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, according to organisers.
The meeting, jointly organised by the National Board of Revenue and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), brought together senior policymakers and business leaders, with Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury attending as chief guest and Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir as special guest, the organisers said in a press release.
Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) Senior Vice President Abdur Razzak urged tax officials to ensure honesty and ethical conduct in revenue administration to support national development and public welfare.
Ensuring transparency in tax collection and maintaining a cooperative approach towards taxpayers would help improve the business climate, he said, while calling for modernisation of tax administration and delivery of services free from harassment.
Referring to proposals submitted by REHAB to the NBR, he emphasised reducing registration costs to ease the burden on businesses.
A fair and equitable tax system is essential to strengthening the country’s economic foundation, he added.
Leaders from key trade bodies, including the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), also spoke at the meeting, alongside representatives from various chambers and industry associations.
Speakers highlighted the need for reforms in the revenue framework, simplification of tax policies and measures to create a more investment-friendly environment.
Participants expressed optimism that coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors would help accelerate economic growth and enhance revenue mobilisation.
