Transparency International Bangladesh in a statement on Thursday expressed its shock and disappointment over an ‘unethical’ provision in the proposed budget allowing people to legalise undisclosed money.
Terming the provision as illegal, discriminatory and unconstitutional, the non-government graft watchdog said that the opportunity to legalise undisclosed money with just a 15 per cent tax would discourage honest and legitimate taxpayers, as no authority would question the money and assets declared under the provision.
Finance minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali on Thursday placed the proposed budget in Jatiya Sangsad for the financial year 2024-25 incorporating the controversial provision.
Under the provision, the taxpayers in Bangladesh, including companies and firms, can now legalise their undeclared wealth by paying a 15 per cent tax on immovable properties without facing any questions about the sources of their income.
The TIB also said that the opportunity undermined the ruling Awami League’s election manifesto and its frequently reiterated pledge of zero tolerance against corruption.
The berlin-based organisation also strongly demanded withdrawal of the provision that allows people to legalise their undisclosed money.
TIB executive director Iftekharuzzaman said, ‘Justifying such unethical, illegal, discriminatory and unconstitutional provision renders the ruling party’s talk against graft meaningless.’
‘It is a clear government invitation to the people to be involved in all forms of corruption and illegitimate enrichment with the guarantee that such undisclosed money will be given clean certificates,’ he said.
The government is, in reality, advising people to be corrupt with a guarantee of impunity, Iftekharuzzaman said, adding that the provision for a maximum 30 per cent tax on honest taxpayers is discriminatory and unconstitutional.
‘It is distinctly contradictory to the constitution, especially Article 20(2), which criminalises illegitimate income. It further violates the constitution as it is discriminatory against honest income earners who are subjected to up to 30 per cent tax whereas the undisclosed money holders are being practically rewarded for corruption by offering the bait of only 15 per cent.’
