Bangladesh Targets Tax Evasion, Aims Higher GDP Revenue

Rajbari, 23 March 2026 — Bangladesh is set to implement rigorous measures to curb tax evasion, fraud, and loopholes, according to Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Economic and Planning Advisor to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Speaking at a post-Eid greeting event in Rajbari district, he stressed that the country is moving to strengthen its internal resource mobilisation and build a more accountable and equitable tax system.

Titumir noted that during the “fascist era,” Bangladesh’s tax-to-GDP ratio was among the lowest not only in South Asia but globally. “We are determined to move beyond that period and rely on internal resources. Tax evasion, fraudulent practices, and all sorts of manipulations will be eliminated,” he said.

The event, organised at the courtesy of Rajbari District Council’s newly appointed Administrator, included high-level officials and politicians. Titumir elaborated that structural reforms have been introduced in the taxation system, including the creation of three dedicated task forces within the National Board of Revenue (NBR): the Income Tax Division, the Customs Department, and the Value Added Tax (VAT) Division.

“These task forces have already started operations,” Titumir said. “The roadmap for the next budget aims to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio to 15 per cent by 2034.”

Addressing concerns over fiscal sustainability, he acknowledged that Bangladesh currently bears a heavy debt burden. “We will gradually overcome this. Internal borrowing will reduce, and foreign high-interest loans will no longer be the primary source. People often question how social protection programmes will be funded; I can assure them our plans are fully financially supported.”

Titumir highlighted that all existing social safety measures, such as family cards and farmer cards, will continue and expand, alongside a substantial increase in development expenditure. “By enhancing domestic resource mobilisation, we can reduce reliance on loans while still funding public welfare and infrastructure projects,” he added.

The post-Eid greeting event was presided over by the Rajbari District Council’s new Administrator, Abdus Salam Miah, and hosted by BNP Joint Convener Rezaul Karim. Other dignitaries included Minister of Cultural Affairs and Rajbari-1 MP Ali Nawaz Mahmud Khayem, Rajbari-2 MP Md. Harun-or-Rashid, District Administrator Sultana Akter, Police Superintendent Mohammad Monjur Morshed, and district BNP convener Liakat Ali.