With discussion around the new national budget ongoing, we are left confused and worried about some of the proposed proposals.
Indeed, these proposals, which speak of having new indirect taxes placed upon the general public, have rightfully raised alarm for middle‑income families, who are the ones, once again, set to suffer most from this increased taxation.
There is already a crisis of affordability upon us with the persistent inflation, and these proposals, which will only reduce affordability, are deeply troubling.
Bangladesh’s tax system has rightfully been criticized for failing to account for the wealthy and politically connected, and it has always been ordinary citizens - already struggling with inflation and stagnant wages - who are asked to shoulder more of the burden.
This approach is certainly not fair but it is also not sustainable. A nation simply cannot build a healthy tax culture by punishing those who already comply.
We expect the government to broaden the tax base by targeting sectors and individuals who evade responsibility. Address the loopholes that allow the powerful to escape scrutiny and ensure that they are closed.
Revenue generation must also be smarter. Bangladesh has untapped potential in areas such as property taxation, digital economy regulation, and environmental levies. These can raise funds without squeezing everyday households.
Most important is improving efficiency; our nation loses billions to leakages and corruption. This must be addressed while also ensuring that collected revenue is used transparently.
Middle‑income families are the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy and to burden them further is to weaken consumption, reduce savings, and ultimately fail the people at large and thereby lose trust in governance. Bangladesh needs a fairer, broader, and more accountable tax system, one where ordinary citizens are not harassed into paying more while those with influence continue to escape.
If the government is serious about building a stronger economy, it must find better ways to generate revenue - those that do not contribute to our growing inequality.
