Digital accounting a must for transparent revenue collection: ICAB council Member Sabbir Ahmed

Digital accounting is no longer optional for Bangladesh, as it is now imperative for ensuring financial transparency, reducing tax evasion and improving revenue collection, Sabbir Ahmed, FCA, Council Member of ICAB, said today.

He made the remarks while presenting the keynote paper at the ongoing ICAB-FE pre-budget roundtable at CA Bhaban in the capital’s Karwan Bazar area.

Mr Ahmed said the government needs to move away from manual accounting and reporting systems to build a more accountable financial structure.

He said digital accounting can help ensure real-time reporting, improve financial monitoring and reduce the scope for tax evasion and fraud.

The keynote presentation also highlighted the importance of tools such as the Document Verification System, which can help verify financial documents and prevent the use of false or manipulated records.

Mr Ahmed said integrating Chartered Accountants into the digitalisation process would help improve compliance and broaden the tax base without necessarily increasing tax rates.

He also stressed the need for structural reforms and professional oversight to build a more transparent, accountable and resilient economy.

The pre-budget roundtable has been jointly organised by The Financial Express and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh.