STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Economists urged the government yesterday to introduce legislation targeting individuals capable of paying taxes but avoiding their obligations.

With a view to broadening the base of taxpayers and improving tax collection efficiency, this proposal was presented during the first pre-budget meeting for Fiscal Year 2025-26, which was held at the State Guest House Padma in the capital with Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed in attendance.

Salehuddin Ahmed, addressing reporters after the meeting, said, “I did not commit to it [enacting the law to punish tax dodgers] as there are legal implications. Such laws exist in other countries with provisions to sue tax dodgers.”

At the meeting, he said the experts suggested the interim government devise a framework for future administrations to follow.

They recommended imposing higher tax rates on individuals owning multiple properties or vehicles and maintaining significant bank deposits.

Other recommendations include expanding the social safety net, prioritising allocation to more research-orientated universities, and ensuring proper utilisation of allocation to the primary education sector.”

Regarding the size of the upcoming budget, Salehuddin said, “We have recommended avoiding an ambitious budget this time around.”

The finance adviser said the government has plans to reduce inflation to 6.5 by next year.

At the meeting, Rehman Sobhan, chairman of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), proposed a specific law to tackle tax evasion.

He also recommended a detailed evaluation of government expenditure to ensure efficiency and the introduction of impact-based budgeting.

Professor MM Akash advocated for the rationing of essential commodities for garment workers and recommended property taxes for those with extensive assets.

Economists further called for a

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