Revenue earning should be logical, not forceful, says Advisor Salehuddin

The finance advisor says Bangladesh has made significant progress in revenue collection and expenditure management but still lags in process and technology

Bangladesh Customs should assist the authorities in collecting revenues and ensure that the collection is not done forcefully, Finance Advisor Salehudddin Ahmed has said.

Speaking at the International Customs Day event organised by the National Board of Revenue, or NBR, on Sunday, he emphasised the importance of ensuring that no illegal or illogical demands are imposed on businesses.

“It’s a request to the Customs from the government to assist in revenue collection. There should be no forceful collection of revenues, and no illegal or illogical demands should be made in terms of debt collection. Even there should not be any unauthorised demand done under secrecy. I hope everyone will help in the trade and business,” he said.

He emphasised that while the NBR exists to provide facilities, it must also overcome obstacles to enable trade and business.

Bangladesh has made significant strides in revenue collection and expenditure management, but, according to the advisor, it lags in adopting modern processes and technology.

“We are still behind in terms of process and technology. Time is running out, and we must embrace modernisation,” he added.

People were smart in managing their information, the finance advisor said.

The authorities should maintain revenue collection and expenditure equally.

“You can’t just collect revenues and spend it indiscriminately. Both collection and expenditure should be logical. I think everyone expects that,” he said.

Traders, who contribute through VAT and taxes, expect a more conducive business environment, but the advisor noted shortcomings in meeting this expectation.

He underscored the importance of comprehensive reform, particularly in economic direction and implementation of existing systems.

“The biggest focus is reform—political, economic, and electoral. But economic reform is most crucial right now. We must use the existing systems effectively,” he said.

Globally, traders view taxes as investments that benefit education, health, and development sectors, Salehuddin said, urging Bangladesh to uphold this principle.