Revenue reforms to help Bangladesh fund development from domestic resources, says Khosru

Bangladesh is moving towards financing its development with its own resources instead of relying on loans, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said.

He made the remarks while inaugurating the Revenue Conference 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center.

Addressing Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Khosru said bold revenue reforms were being pursued under his leadership, laying the foundation for a modern, cashless and contact-free revenue system.

“Bangladesh will no longer remain a country dependent on loans. God willing, it is now moving towards development through its own financing,” he said.

Khosru said achieving the Tk 6 trillion revenue collection target was the government’s most important task, saying it would help build the prosperous Bangladesh envisioned by the prime minister.

He also expressed confidence that Bangladesh would overcome the challenge of graduating to a middle-income country by 2029 and build a trillion-dollar economy by 2034.

Referring to the restoration of democracy, Khosru said an elected government had been formed after a long struggle and sacrifice, making it their “sacred duty” to fulfil people’s aspirations.

Call to Businesses

Khosru described the business community as the driving force of the economy, saying development was impossible without investment and job creation. He pledged continued government support.

At the same time, he urged businesses to help meet the revenue target by paying taxes and VAT on time.

While acknowledging complaints over administrative complexity and officials’ behaviour, he said measures were being taken to address them. But he called for strict enforcement against persistent tax evaders to protect honest taxpayers and ensure a level playing field.

Khosru also stressed accountability among revenue officials, saying taxpayers must be treated impartially and respectfully.

“Harassing an honest taxpayer and giving undue benefits to a dishonest taxpayer are equally unacceptable,” he said.

The conference was jointly organised by the Finance Ministry’s Internal Resources Division and the National Board of Revenue.