It is certainly disappointing to learn that about 1.16 crore of those capable of paying income taxes in the country remain out of the tax net of the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
This is an issue that continues to persist year after year; at around 7%, Bangladesh has one of the lowest tax-to-GDP ratios in the world and is a serious deterrent for Bangladesh's continued progress and prosperity as a nation.
Despite the NBR attempting to rectify the issue with events such as tax fairs and such, there seems to be little to no progress with regard to getting people to submit their tax returns.
While the citizens of Bangladesh are rightfully expected to become more pro-active in filing their taxes and raising more awareness about the importance of filing taxes, historically, the authorities concerned have also done a very poor job with tax collection.
As we have seen time and time again, it is powerful businesses and individuals who more often than not get away scot-free without paying any taxes.
Meanwhile, it is honest taxpayers, the large majority of them from the middle class and of even lower incomes, who are not only hounded and harassed by the tax authorities, but are also punished severely if there are any irregularities found in their tax filing.
Clearly, our taxation culture has long been toxic, and it continues to be for the average citizen while a certain group continues to enjoy impunity.
It is evident that nothing but a complete overhaul of the current system, and reforms and modernization of regulations are the needs of the hour. We cannot continue to hold back the nation as a result of our broken tax system.