National Parliament Whip Rakibul Islam Bakul inaugurating a newly constructed modern tax building in the city on Thursday afternoon as the chief guest. Photo: BSS

KHULNA, April 3, 2026 (BSS) - National Parliament Whip Rakibul Islam Bakul has said, not a source of fear. 

He stressed the importance of taxpayers in the national economy and called for a fundamental change in the behavior of tax officials. 

He made the remarks while inaugurating a newly constructed modern tax building in the city on Thursday afternoon as the chief guest. 

Whip and Khulna-3 constituency lawmaker Rakibul Islam Bakul formally opened the facility by unveiling its plaque amid a colorful programme. 

Internal Resources Division Secretary and National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan presided over the event. 

Among the special guests were Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju, Zila Parishad Chairman S M Monirul Hasan Bappi, NBR Member (Tax Policy) Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqi and Member (Tax Administration and HRM) Ahsan Habib. 

Khulna Tax Commissioner Shraboni Chakma delivered the welcome address.

Bakul said the country's income tax system is a key driving force of development, as a major portion of funding for roads, educational institutions, hospitals and electricity comes from people's tax.

He emphasized that alongside preventing tax evasion, simplifying rules and ensuring transparency are essential to make the system more effective.

He expressed concern that many people still feel afraid of obtaining a TIN certificate, fearing harassment by officials. 

"Over-enthusiasm and dishonesty among some officials are discouraging the creation of new taxpayers, which is not good for the economy," he said.

He alleged that large businessmen often evade taxes while small and medium businessmen face undue pressure. He called for eliminating such disparities. 

Issuing a strong message to tax officers, he said they must become "friends of the people, not a source of fear."

He also urged authorities to raise awareness through campaigns and clearly explain how tax money is utilized. He suggested rewarding compliant taxpayers to encourage greater participation.

Highlighting concerns over Khulna's regional economy, he noted that despite its identity as an industrial hub, many industries are in decline, particularly the fisheries sector. 

He pledged to revive the region's economy by promoting cottage industries as well as large-scale industrial establishments.

He reaffirmed commitment to building a modern, equitable and people-friendly tax system to achieve a prosperous Bangladesh.

According to sources, the tax building project, implemented by the Public Works Department, began on July 1, 2019 and was completed on December 31, 2025 at a cost of Tk 65.54 crore. 

The 10-storey building, with a total floor area of 130,722 square feet, houses offices of Tax Zone-Khulna, Tax Appeal Zone-Khulna, Central Tax Survey ranges and circles, and the Khulna bench of the Appellate Tribunal. 

It also includes parking facilities, a commercial bank branch, e-return and information service center, daycare facility and meeting rooms for taxpayers.

The project also features two lifts, a 300 KVA generator, an 800 KVA substation, 100-ton air conditioning system, fire safety system, solar system, drainage system, pump house, underground reservoir, boundary wall and internal roads.

The newly inaugurated building is expected to make tax administration in the Khulna region more dynamic, modern and taxpayer-friendly.