1.85m people pay tax: Muhith

Finance minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith on Thursday said the number of income taxpayers is now 1.85 million in the country, reports UNB.

"Currently, 1.85 taxpayers pay income tax and if anyone earns a taxable income of Tk 250,000, he or she pays income tax," the minister said this, while replying to a starred question from treasury bench member Begum Umme Razia Kajol of Reserved seat-43 in the parliament.

Replying to another question from treasury bench member Begum Sanjida Khanam, the minister said per capita income rose to US$ 1,610 which is equivalent to Tk 127,401.

"The government has undertaken and implemented various activities to increase income of the country," Muhith informed the parliament.

He said under the activities, the government in principle decided to establish 100 economic zones, adding, "Currently 79 economic zones have been approved including 50 public, 23 private, two PPP (Public and Private Partnership) and four G-to-G (Government to Government) economic zones."

The minister said the government has also taken initiatives to implement 10 mega projects for increasing growth of the country.