Dhaka, Jan 18, (V7N) - Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, who chaired the committee behind Bangladesh's economic White Paper, sharply criticized the interim government's abrupt hike in value-added tax (VAT). Speaking at the symposium ‘White Paper and Thereafter: Economic Management, Reforms, and National Budget’ at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC), he expressed dismay over the decision.

“We are astonished to see how inconsiderately the VAT was increased,” said Dr. Debapriya, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). He emphasized that effective tax collection typically involves a gradual shift towards direct taxation, a strategy noticeably absent in the current fiscal policy.

Highlighting the lack of initiatives targeting Tax Identification Number (TIN) holders who evade taxes, he warned, “This approach of prioritizing indirect taxes over direct taxes is deeply concerning.”

Dr. Debapriya, also the convener of the Citizen's Platform for SDGs, stressed the need for a more balanced tax strategy to ensure sustainable economic management.

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