Dhaka, Broadcasting News Corporation: ASM Saleh Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Land, has stated that transparency and accountability are essential to establishing an effective and citizen-friendly governance system. To institutionalize these two principles, making it mandatory for government officials to submit income tax returns and complete them through the e-return system is a timely and bold initiative. E-return or online income tax return is not just a technological advancement but a reflection of a modern and accountable governance system. This system has made tax administration simpler and more transparent, while also setting a strong example for government officials to fulfill their ethical responsibilities. Due to automated data storage and analysis, it has become easier to identify discrepancies in income and expenditure. At the same time, it has created the opportunity to reduce corruption, which contributes to increasing the state’s revenue.

On Sunday (25 January 2026), in the ministry’s conference room, during a learning session on ‘Electronic Submission of Income Tax Returns for Individual Taxpayers in the 9th and higher grades working at the Ministry of Land,’ the senior secretary said this in his keynote speech. He further stated that ensuring income-expenditure transparency for government officials is not just a legal obligation; it is also a moral responsibility. The initiative to make e-return submission mandatory for government officials sets a positive example of administrative discipline and ethics. As a result, the general public’s interest and confidence in paying taxes will also increase. The submission of e-returns by government officials genuinely fosters a culture of transparency and accountability, which acts as a catalyst for positive change throughout the tax system. This discipline is essential for the country’s development, leaving no room for denial. The greatest advantage of the e-return system is transparency. The information submitted on the digital platform is preserved, making it verifiable when necessary.