The government has to show more serious intent to punish wrongdoers and address the root causes of the irregularities
The survey records widespread instances of harassment from NBR officials, such as delays or excessive tax-assessments, in pursuit of bribes.
Corruption within the NBR affects businesses of all sizes, both informal and formal. More than three quarters of over 1,800 businesses surveyed, considered bribery and corruption to be a severe or significant obstacle to doing business.
Less than 8% did not consider corruption to be an obstacle in their dealings with the government.
It is disheartening to hear that, despite efforts to modernise our tax system through improved IT, dishonest officials are still skewing the system to harass legitimate businesses in pursuit of bribes.
This sort of unscrupulous behaviour is incredibly detrimental to businesses both small and big. At a time when start-up businesses are experiencing something of a renaissance in Bangladesh, it adds another unnecessary obstacle to the development of our economy.
We need major changes to restore people’s faith in the NBR. Building in more oversight and improving IT are important but not enough.
The government has to show more serious intent to punish wrongdoers and address the root causes of the irregularities.
Businesses should not have to accept or tolerate the prevalence of any corruption in the government. We must make it easier for officials and taxpayers alike to blow the whistle on bribery and corruption.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
