Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed 'cautious praise' for the government for not providing an opportunity to legalize black money in the proposed national budget. In a statement on Thursday, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said that not allowing the opportunity to legitimize black money is a positive message for the government's anti-corruption commitment. However, he noted that in the past, such opportunities have been reintroduced in the money bill under various pretexts such as investment and employment. He expressed hope that the immoral opportunity to legalize black money would not return in the budget.
Iftekharuzzaman mentioned that although the opportunity to legitimize black money has been provided continuously since independence, it has discouraged honest taxpayers and created a culture of 'tax evasion'. He expressed hope that the government would set an example against this corruption-aiding practice.
Regarding the new pay scale, Iftekharuzzaman said that if the salaries and allowances of government employees are not in line with the cost of living, corruption-free performance is impossible. He considered the announcement of salary increase in the proposed budget logical despite financial constraints. However, he suggested that the new pay scale should only apply to those government officials and employees who regularly update their asset declarations.
Iftekharuzzaman praised the proposals to exempt a significant number of essential goods and services from VAT, considering their impact on the daily lives of ordinary people. He emphasized the need to implement the commitments made in the budget speech to increase the efficiency of tax administration and ensure transparency and accountability in the tax system. He stressed the importance of ensuring a hassle-free environment for honest taxpayers to pay their taxes.
Iftekharuzzaman also highlighted the need to take effective action against corrupt and dishonest employees of the revenue administration. He stressed the importance of moving from a debt-dependent budget to a revenue-dependent budget by closing tax loopholes and making the National Revenue Board corruption-free.
Expressing disappointment over the lack of clear discussions or guidelines for ensuring good governance in the budget implementation process, Iftekharuzzaman hoped that the final budget would address this issue.
