Staff Correspondent

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) yesterday categorically objected to the finance minister’s suggestion that the option to legalise black money with ease as in the current fiscal year might roll over into fiscal 2021-22.

There was “careful applause” and temporary relief among the honest taxpayers after seeing no announcement on legalising black money in the proposed budget, the TIB said in a press statement.

“But the relief has turned into anxiety within a day following the finance minister’s speech in the post-budget media briefing,” said the local chapter of the global anti-graft watchdog.

The option to legalise untaxed income was always present in some form but in June last year, Kamal had expanded the ambit for it.

At present, black money can be whitened by investing it in any sector and without facing any questions on the source of the funds. This opening is due to close at the end of the current fiscal year on June 30.