“People will have to launch a social movement to stop this evil practice and strengthen the issue of tax fairness,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion on tax fairness arranged by Campaign for Good Governance (SUPRO) at the Cirdap auditorium.
The minister said the current government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is implementing a number of people-friendly schemes like social safety net and healthcare extension alongside development projects.
“We’ve given highest importance to tax fairness to properly implement the projects,” he added.
Mannan, however, said although the country is witnessing economic growth, income inequality is also widening. “The government is aware of this. We’re making a progressive taxation system and ensuring that the tax money is really spent for people.”
He further said the government has set up community clinics across the country to strengthen the social safety net and ease the healthcare system.
The minister said that country's communication system has been modernised with the tax money. “The infrastructure of the country changed drastically in the last 10 years,” he added.
Former Chairman of the National Board of Revenue Md Abdul Majid and Prof Dr MM Akash of Dhaka University also spoke at the programme with SUPRO Chairperson Abdul Awal in the chair.