Policy making and implementation in revenue collection to be 'free from bureaucracy': Zonayed Saki in parliament

Policy formulation and revenue collection activities will be separated, and policy making will be made completely free from bureaucracy, Planning State Minister Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki has said in parliament.

He made the remarks during the general discussion on the proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year in parliament on Sunday, June 28.

"The NBR's policy-making and implementation will be separated. Policy-making will be completely freed from bureaucracy, and this policy-making body will be formed with experts in this field," the state minister said. "Through strict measures, the government will be able to achieve the revenue collection target in the next fiscal year."

Regarding the budget's tax net expansion, Saki acknowledged concerns about whether it would reach grocery shop owners or vegetable markets. "Concerns must undoubtedly be raised. The public must be given relief. Initially, taxes will be set at a flat rate based on taxpayers' capacity."

Saki said the government has failed to collect necessary revenue for a long time due to tax evasion, tax fraud and excessive tax exemptions. Automation in tax administration is being accelerated to prevent these irregularities. He added that automation programmes were inaugurated in five institutions, including the NBR, on Sunday.

Responding to concerns about budget financing, Saki admitted there are questions about achieving the Tk 6.95 lakh crore revenue target due to the NBR's past performance. "Many have questioned the size of the budget and its sources of financing. Through tax reforms, automation and strict measures to prevent tax evasion, the government will be able to achieve the revenue target," he said.

He noted that the budget size is approximately 13 per cent of GDP, while neighbouring and other countries typically have budgets of 30 to 33 per cent of GDP.