Published: 12:36 AM, 20 October 2026
BD targets $1 trillion economy by 2034, tax reform in focus
Prime Minister’s Adviser for Public Administration and BNP National Standing Committee member Md Ismail Zabihullah has called for bringing more citizens capable of paying taxes under the tax net without imposing additional pressure on existing taxpayers, stressing that broader economic participation is essential to increasing government revenue and achieving Bangladesh’s development goals.
“Democratisation of the economy will increase the number of taxpayers. If greater participation of people in the economy is ensured, the tax base will be expanded and revenue collection will become easier for the country’s development activities,” he said.
The adviser made the remarks as the chief guest at the third Orientation Ceremony and MTM Night 2026, organised by the Dhaka University Master of Tax Management (MTM) Alumni Association at a city hotel on Saturday.
Emphasising the need for a broader and more inclusive tax system, Zabihullah said Bangladesh must focus on expanding the number of taxpayers rather than relying excessively on those already contributing to the national exchequer.
He stressed that increasing economic participation and encouraging eligible citizens to pay taxes voluntarily would help strengthen revenue mobilisation while making the tax system more equitable and sustainable.
One of the government's major economic objectives under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is to transform Bangladesh into a $1 trillion economy by 2034, the adviser said.
“This is not merely a goal to expand the size of the economy; rather, it is a commitment to building a production-oriented, investment-friendly, employment-rich and self-reliant economy,” he said.
Achieving the ambitious target will require coordinated efforts to stimulate investment, expand productive activities, generate employment and strengthen the government's capacity to finance public services and development programmes, he added.
Referring to Bangladesh's tax-to-GDP ratio, Zabihullah said the country's ratio stands at around 6.7 percent, significantly below the corresponding figures of approximately 12 percent in India and 20 percent in China.
He also pointed to the relatively small number of taxpayers in Bangladesh, underscoring the need for comprehensive reforms to expand the tax base and improve revenue collection.
“To ensure state services and facilities like developed countries, we need to increase revenue mobilisation and introduce effective reforms in tax management. Taxpayers must be provided with hassle-free services and people capable of paying taxes should be encouraged to pay voluntarily,” he said.
The adviser emphasised that an effective tax system should combine wider coverage with simpler procedures, greater transparency and improved service delivery. Reducing unnecessary complexities, he suggested, would help encourage voluntary compliance and strengthen public confidence in the tax administration.
He urged tax professionals, particularly MTM alumni, to demonstrate professional integrity, transparency, efficiency and innovative thinking in their respective workplaces.
Given their specialised knowledge of taxation and revenue management, he said, the alumni could make meaningful contributions to improving tax administration and supporting the government's broader economic objectives.
Zabihullah also called on MTM alumni to advise the government on reducing tax-related complexities, expanding digital tax systems, preventing revenue evasion and improving the quality of services provided to taxpayers.
Greater use of digital systems, he indicated, could help simplify tax-related procedures, make services more accessible and support more effective revenue administration. At the same time, stronger efforts would be needed to prevent revenue leakage and ensure that those liable to pay taxes meet their obligations.
The adviser further urged alumni members to play an active role in raising public awareness about taxation, noting the importance of fostering a culture of voluntary compliance and responsible taxpaying.
He called on professionals to use their expertise and experience to help build a tax system that supports economic growth, promotes fairness and enables the government to mobilise the resources needed for national development.
The event brought together members of the Dhaka University MTM Alumni Association to mark the orientation ceremony and MTM Night 2026, highlighting the professional community's potential role in strengthening Bangladesh's tax management and revenue mobilisation efforts.
