Rajshahi zone has realised income taxes worth around Tk 7.41 billion (Tk 741 crore) in the last financial year, up by Tk 675.1 million (Tk 67.51 crore) than the previous financial year, reports BSS.

Number of taxpayers has stood to over 0.22 million (2,29,726) in last fiscal year (2018-19) up by 15,589 than that of the previous fiscal year (2017-18) in the northwest zone consisting of Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Natore and Pabna districts.

Dr Khandakar Ferdous Alam, Commissioner of Taxes in Rajshahi zone, disclosed this while addressing a press conference at the conference room of his office in Rajshahi on Tuesday ahead of the weeklong Income Tax Fair-2019 scheduled to be held from November 14 to 20.

He said the number of taxpayers is increasing gradually adding that the growth rate is significant. To expand the tax network, various motivational campaigns like spot assessment, survey and rewards for the taxpayers have

been introduced.

Dr Alam told the journalists that National Board of Revenue (NBR) will accord a reception to 42 highest and long-term taxpayers in seven categories in Rajshahi on Wednesday to mark the National Income Tax Fair.

"We got significant response from the taxpayers in the tax fairs," Dr Ferdous Alam said, adding that the main thrust of the fair was to inspire the taxpayers in paying more income tax spontaneously coupled with generating more taxpayers.

Income taxes of over Tk 155.3 million (Tk 15.53 crore) were collected in last year's week-long tax fair. Around 66,136 taxpayers received services and 1,20,329 taxpayers submitted their returns while the number of e-TIN was 875 in the fair.

The fair creates enthusiasm among the public about the tax payment and return submission.

Dr Alam said the year-round motivational programmes contributed to creating public awareness about income taxes and boosting tax collection.

Joint Commissioners Ashique Rana and Zafar Imam were also present at the press conference.