Bangladesh, despite its many commendable accomplishments, still has a number of areas holding it back -- and taxation, unfortunately, continues to be at the top of this list.
As is true for many other areas in need of improvement, the tax system in the country is also severely lacking in terms of proper policies and administration.
Not only does this mean that the country is losing out on the tax revenue that could undoubtedly benefit the country further, it is also a cause of unnecessary hassle for and apprehension from taxpayers.
Severe mismanagement at government offices, the inconvenience of the process, and a lack of transparency in regards to how the tax money is being utilized for their own benefit have left citizens weary of the system in its entirety.
There seems to be only one way out of this rut that we've found ourselves in: The system needs a reform.
Plans to simplify tax related processes -- such as moving operations online without the need for any third-party services -- are yet to come to fruition.
Unless policies are updated to match the pace of the Digital Bangladesh we are creating, and proper order is maintained at relevant offices for the taxpayers' ease of access to service, there will continue to be low levels of tax collection for the nation, which will inadvertently deny the people of their right to improved public services.
Something as intrinsic to a country's development as taxes cannot, and should not, be so complex. The government must take immediate measures to simplify the tax paying process, along with all other related procedures, to ensure that taxpayers are content with the contributions they make towards the growth of their country.
