Reduce project dependency, increase revenue collection: DSCC mayor

Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh has instructed officials and employees involved in revenue collection to reduce project dependency and increase revenue collection.

He said this at the "Revenue Conference" held on Tuesday at the Mayor Hanif auditorium of Nagar Bhaban, read a press release.

Officials and employees of all levels of the revenue department of the city corporation were present at the conference.

The mayor said, "Due to a lack of revenue, we have had many constraints before. We have had to depend on the government and project funding. We have to reduce this dependency and increase revenue collection."

Taposh said, "A large number of people are conducting business in our city but they are not under our tax net. The number of municipal taxes (holding tax) is only about Tk1,83,000. This number seems backdated and the actual numbers should be higher."

"I believe that the target of reaching Tk300 crore for holding tax and Tk200 crore for trade licenses is achievable if we work together," he added.

Addressing the participants the mayor said, "The revenue collection target can be achieved with our existing manpower. However, we will still try to consider the demands you have presented before us."

"Every employee who will work for the interest of the organisation will be rewarded and encouraged. However, if anyone harasses people and commits crimes, will be dealt with accordingly," the mayor continued.

The mayor also urged the officers and employees to update all the revenue related data during the conference.

A B M Amin Ullah Nuri, chief executive officer of the corporation and DSCC secretary Akramuzzaman also addressed the revenue conference conducted by Ariful Haque, chief revenue officer.

Regional executive officers, deputy tax officers, revenue supervisors, license supervisors, market supervisors, and rent assistants were also present at the event among others.