Dhaka, Mar 24 (V7N) - Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has urged the government to strengthen the Public Audit Bill-2024 by including provisions for auditing revenue assessment and collection. In a statement on Monday, TIB stressed the need to enhance the authority of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (OCAG) to ensure accountability in revenue collection and government financial management. It warned that without these measures, the taxation system would remain vulnerable to fraud and tax evasion.

TIB criticized the opaque process of drafting the bill, stating that it was formulated without adequate public consultation. The organization had previously called for stakeholder engagement but claimed that the process was dominated by the Ministry of Finance, certain government agencies, and a donor organization. It has now sent recommendations to the interim government for consideration.

Among its key proposals, TIB recommended granting the CAG the power to audit revenue determination, ensuring employee accountability in audited institutions, and forming an independent monitoring committee with civil society representatives. Additionally, it called for greater autonomy for the CAG in appointing staff and managing its office independently.

TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman warned that tax evasion in Bangladesh is often enabled by fraudulent revenue assessment through collusion between corrupt tax officials and dishonest taxpayers. He urged the government to include revenue audits in the bill, stressing that failing to do so would undermine transparency and accountability in public finance management.

END/MSS/RH/