Salehuddin Calls For Also Highlighting Positive Aspects Of Economy With Criticism

Salehuddin Urges Critics To Also Highlight Economic Positives Alongside Criticism

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed On Sunday Urged Critics To Acknowledge The Positive Aspects Of The Economy, Noting That Although There May Be Legitimate Concerns, Significant Progress Has Also Been Made Across Various Indicators.

“Don’t You See Anything Good In The Economy? It Requires Insight To Recognize The Progress Achieved Over The Past Months,” He Remarked.

He Was Speaking As Chief Guest At A Seminar Focused On Income Tax, VAT, And Customs Activities Under The National Budget For Fiscal Year 2025–26, Alongside The Launch Of E-Return Submission For The Same Period, Held At The National Board Of Revenue (NBR).

Acknowledging That The Interim Government May Have Made Some Minor Errors, He Said, “But When Good Work Is Recognized, It Feels Good. Still, You’re Free To Express Your Opinions.”

The Seminar Aimed To Brief Journalists On The Recent Changes In Income Tax, VAT, And Customs Policies Introduced In The 2025–26 Budget.

NBR Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan Presided Over The Event, While Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) President Doulot Akter Mala Also Spoke.

Dr. Salehuddin Noted That Some Junior Economists In The Country Fail To Recognize Positive Developments Altogether.

“If You Truly Want To See Progress, You Must Develop Inner Vision,” He Urged, Calling On Young Economists To Shift Their Perspective.

“If We Choose Not To See, Then We’ll See Nothing,” He Added.

He Emphasized That Encouraging Positive Developments Can Help Drive Broader Progress Benefiting All Stakeholders.

He Also Requested The Media To More Prominently Highlight The Government’s Achievements.

“Let’s Focus Less On Mistakes, And More On Seeing The Glass As Half Full Rather Than Half Empty,” He Stated.

Praising NBR’s Introduction Of E-Return Filing For Individuals, He Said, “This Is A Great Initiative.”

“NBR Is The Central Pillar Of Revenue, Trade, And Commerce. It Not Only Collects Revenue But Also Facilitates The Country’s Trade And Business,” He Added.

Dr. Salehuddin Emphasized The Need For Greater Transparency And Accountability In Governance.

He Pointed Out That Even With Strong Laws And Regulations, Implementation Can Falter If Those Enforcing Them Act On Personal Biases.

“Officials May Act Out Of Either Favor Or Displeasure, But These Tendencies Must Be Avoided,” He Advised NBR Personnel.

He Also Praised NBR Officials For Their Tireless Work In Revenue Collection, Saying Their Efforts Are Widely Appreciated—Even By The Chief Adviser.

Meanwhile, NBR Has Made Online Submission Of Income Tax Returns Mandatory For All Individual Taxpayers, Except Senior Citizens Aged 65 Or Above, Persons With Disabilities, Taxpayers With Special Needs (Subject To Certification), Bangladeshi Expatriates, And Legal Representatives Of Deceased Taxpayers.

Starting Today, Taxpayers Can File Returns Online Through NBR’s E-Return Platform (www.etaxnbr.gov.bd). Exempted Individuals May Continue Submitting Paper Returns If They Prefer.

Those Facing Technical Issues Related To E-Registration May Apply For Paper Submission By Writing To The Concerned Deputy Commissioner Of Taxes, Subject To Approval From The Additional Or Joint Commissioner.

Applications Must Be Submitted No Later Than October 31, 2025.

Last Year, Over 1.7 Million Returns Were Filed Online When NBR First Introduced Mandatory E-Filing For Certain Sectors, Including Bank Employees And Staff Of Selected Multinational Companies.

Taxpayers Can Conveniently Pay Their Taxes From Home Using Bank Transfers, Debit/Credit Cards, Or Mobile Financial Services Like bKash, Rocket, And Nagad.

To Support The Process, NBR Has Established Dedicated Teams And A 24/7 Call Center To Resolve Technical Issues Faced By Taxpayers During Filing.