TIB urges government to abandon move to legalise undisclosed income

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern over reports that the government may reintroduce provisions in the upcoming 2026–27 national budget allowing the whitening of undisclosed money, calling the move a step that would effectively legitimise corruption.

In a statement issued on Thursday (June 4), the anti-corruption watchdog said any form of “blanket or unconditional amnesty” for undeclared income would be “deeply disappointing and self-defeating,” undermining the country’s financial integrity and justice system.

TIB said such initiatives—often justified as a means to boost investment or revive the real estate sector—ultimately discourage honest taxpayers and incentivise tax evasion.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said repeated attempts since independence to legalise undisclosed income have failed to produce any lasting positive impact. Instead, he said, such measures normalise corruption and erode public trust in the tax system.

He further warned that bringing back such provisions would send a damaging signal that irregular practices are tolerated at the state level, further strengthening a culture of impunity.

While welcoming efforts to repatriate laundered money, TIB stressed that strict accountability mechanisms must be ensured. It also said individuals currently under investigation or facing legal proceedings related to money laundering should not be granted any form of blanket immunity.

The organisation urged the government to abandon what it called a “failed and outdated” policy approach and instead maintain a firm stance against corruption, in line with public expectations and long-term economic interests.