DHAKA, Nov 30, 2021 (BSS) - Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq today called upon the eligible persons to pay tax and thus contribute to the country's development and standing beside people.

   "Those who have taxable income should pay tax. Please boost the revenue collection through paying tax on your taxable income and thus stand beside people. On the other hand, we'll have to keep this in mind that the taxpayers' money is not misused," he said.

   The law minister was addressing a seminar titled "Implementation of Vision and the role of income tax in building future Bangladesh" held at the conference room of the NBR Bhaban in the capital's Segunbagicha area.

   Presided over by NBR Chairman Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) president Md Jashim Uddin, Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA) general secretary Dr Jamal Uddin, and NBR member Md Alamgir Hossain spoke, among others.

   The minister said that the amount of direct tax is increasing day to day while there is no alternative for it in moving forward the country. "We'll have to boost revenue generation in materializing the goal of Vision 2041."

   He said the concerned authorities would have to be more cautious and responsible in spending the taxpayers' money to ensure optimum utilization of public fund side by side ensuring that there is no misuse or wastage of money.

   NBR Chairman Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem said that the revenue board has been working to expand the tax net as online return service is being provided.

   "Income tax is a big sector for revenue generation. Earlier in the eighties, almost cent percent of the development projects were financed with the fund from the development partners. But, 90 percent of the revenues now come from the local sources. This is a big achievement for us."

   Stressing the need for further expanding the tax net to boost revenue generation, Muneem said that as much the tax net would be expanded, it would be possible to further reducing the tax rate. "On this National Income Tax Day, my appeal to the country's people is to pay tax voluntarily. Only then, we'll be able to reduce the tax rate."

   FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin said that all should move forward the country with the public and private partnership. "We don't want to remain only as import-dependent. We'll have to reduce import dependency through decentralization of industries." He added.

   Earlier in the morning, the 14th National Income Tax Day was inaugurated in front of the NBR Bhaban through releasing balloons and festoons with the slogan "Mujibborsher Ongikar, Sobai Mile Debo Kar".

   The Day was observed at all the 31 taxes zones across the country. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no rally this time, but all the income tax offices were decorated.

   Marking the day, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages. Besides, special supplements were published in the national dailies while the TV channels aired special programmes.

   The country has been observing the National Income Tax Day since 2008. Today was the last day for submission of income tax returns at individual level. The taxpayers were seen in long queue even in the evening to submit their returns.