Staff Correspondent: Md. Ismail Zabihullah, Advisor for Public Administration and a member of the BNP’s National Standing Committee, stated that the democratization of the economy will lead to an increase in the number of taxpayers. To achieve this, new citizens capable of paying taxes must be brought into the tax net, without placing any additional burden on existing taxpayers. Ensuring broader participation in the economy will expand the tax base and facilitate the collection of revenue for the country’s development initiatives. He further urged professionals to play a responsible role from their respective positions to ensure the sustainability of the nation’s economic progress.
He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the ‘3rd Inauguration Ceremony and MTM Night 2026’ of the Dhaka University MTM (Master of Tax Management) Alumni Association, held at a hotel in Dhaka on Saturday.
The Adviser for Public Administration stated that one of the primary economic objectives of the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is to transform Bangladesh into a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2034. This goal goes beyond merely increasing the size of the economy; it represents a commitment to building an economy that is productive, investment-friendly, rich in employment opportunities, and self-reliant. Achieving this objective will require a strong focus on export diversification, increasing both domestic and foreign investment, fostering industrialization, promoting entrepreneurship, and developing a skilled workforce.
The small contributions made by professionals across various fields in the country collectively translate into national success.
He noted that a nation’s economic progress does not depend solely on production and investment; effective revenue collection, disciplined financial management, transparency, and accountability also serve as its vital foundations. In this regard, professionals in the fields of taxation and financial management bear a particularly significant responsibility.
Highlighting the tax-to-GDP ratio, the advisor noted that in Bangladesh, this ratio stands at approximately 6.7 percent, compared to about 12 percent in India and 20 percent in China. Furthermore, the number of taxpayers in Bangladesh is relatively low. To ensure state services and amenities comparable to those in developed nations, it is essential to increase revenue collection and implement effective reforms in tax administration. Taxpayers must be provided with services free from harassment, and those with the capacity to pay taxes should be encouraged to do so voluntarily.
Highlighting the Prime Minister’s economic philosophy, he stated that enhancing state capacity, ensuring administrative efficiency, and making proper use of public funds are key government priorities. When undertaking development projects, it is essential to consider the expected return on investment (ROI). In the expenditure of public funds, the interests of the people and tangible outcomes must be given the utmost importance.
Referring to the concept of the ‘democratization of the economy’ as mentioned in the BNP’s election manifesto, the Advisor for Public Administration stated that the primary objective of this approach is to harness the productive capacity of every citizen. It is the responsibility of professionals in the financial sector to create opportunities for the development of this human potential and to support the advancement of entrepreneurs and productive initiatives. Addressing the MTM alumni, he urged them to demonstrate professional integrity, transparency, competence, and innovative thinking within their respective fields of work.
Furthermore, alumni members must play an effective role in raising awareness about taxation among the general public. The advisor further noted that the use of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and modern information technology can make tax administration more efficient, transparent, and accountable. To this end, emphasis must be placed on professional training, research, and the acquisition of knowledge regarding international best practices. Alumni members from various cohorts of the Dhaka University MTM Alumni Association were present at the event.
