Ensure holding numbers for every capital residence

Many residents of the capital cannot provide the correct address of their homes. When they need to give an address, they often write things like “the alley by such-and-such mosque” or “the road beside so-and-so market.” This is because many houses do not have holding numbers. Without a holding number, not only it is difficult to provide a proper address, but it also creates problems with land registration, records, tax payments, and more. Sometimes, even obtaining a passport or visa becomes problematic. Yet, one-third of the capital’s residences do not have holding numbers. As a result, not only are they deprived of various civic services, but the state also loses out on holding tax revenue from these citizens.

According to media reports published on Sunday (May 10), a 20-day municipal tax fair has been organised at DNCC's regional office at Mohakhali in Dhaka. At the fair's inaugural event on Sunday, DNCC Administrator Md Ejaz told reporters that 36 percent of the capital's residences do not have holding numbers. Additionally, many corporate offices do not pay holding tax properly. DNCC does not receive holding tax from some residential areas in the capital either. If everyone paid holding tax correctly, the city dwellers could be provided with better services.

Without 100% holding numbers, a city cannot truly be called a fully modern metropolis. In a modern metropolis, there is a well-coordinated system of residential, commercial, and transportation infrastructure, along with access to all kinds of modern facilities under the judicial system and municipal authority. Although Dhaka is nominally established as a "metropolis," many citizens here are still deprived of civic amenities. Furthermore, the division of the capital into two city corporations has created a form of disparity. It cannot be said that people from both city corporations receive equal services.

The Dhaka North City Corporation covers an area of approximately 82.64 square kilometres, while the Dhaka South City Corporation covers 47.12 square kilometres. Since 2011, when Dhaka City Corporation was divided into two, this inequality has persisted. After the mass uprising on August 5, two administrators were appointed instead of mayors in both city corporations. They are continuing some work in the old manner, but no new initiatives are yet visible in their actions. In the changed situation, many ward commissioners have fled, and new commissioners have not been appointed. As a result, due to a lack of manpower, the administrators are unable to carry out their duties effectively.

To provide civic services, manpower is essential. For that, personnel must be appointed. Once appointed, they must be paid salaries. If holding tax is collected, it generates some government revenue—but even to determine tax, holding numbers must be assigned first. In this context, Md Ejaz said that if tax could be assessed in certain areas, the process would be easier. Discussions have been held with Bashundhara Residential Area, and they have agreed to pay holding tax. Many private universities have outstanding holding taxes. Several corporate offices have defaulted on holding taxes by filing lawsuits. If they pay their taxes during this fair, they will receive a rebate. However, if they do not pay now, they will not be eligible for any rebate benefits in the future. The penalties for lawsuits related to non-payment of holding tax are quite severe.

Our expectation is that the government will ensure holding numbers for every residence of the capital. At the same time, by improving civic services and collecting due taxes from the citizens, it will transform this city into a livable metropolitan city.