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The Political Economy of Domestic Tax Reform in Bangladesh: Political Settlements, Informal Institutions and the Negotiation of Reform

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  • Hassan, Mirza
  • Prichard, Wilson

Abstract

This paper explains the persistence of a tax system characterised by low revenue collection and extensive informality in Bangladesh. It combines analysis of long-term formal and informal institutions and of micro-level incentives shaping negotiation of short-term reform. The system is unusually informal, discretionary, and corrupt, but remains resistant to change because it delivers low and predictable tax rates to business, extensive opportunities for corruption to the tax administration, and an important vehicle for fundraising by political leaders and rent distribution to their elite supporters. We then explore the dynamics of micro-level reform and external pressure within the constraints of this overarching political bargain.

Suggested Citation

  • Hassan, Mirza & Prichard, Wilson, 2016. "The Political Economy of Domestic Tax Reform in Bangladesh: Political Settlements, Informal Institutions and the Negotiation of Reform," Working Papers 13681, Institute of Development Studies, International Centre for Tax and Development.
    • Handle: RePEc:idq:ictduk:13681
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Ali, Tariq Omar & Hassan, Mirza & Hossain, Naomi, 2021. "The moral and political economy of the pandemic in Bangladesh: Weak states and strong societies during Covid-19," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    2. Khadiza Begum, 2024. "Tax Reforms in Bangladesh: An Overview," International Journal of Science and Business, IJSAB International, vol. 35(1), pages 1-14.
    3. Sèna Kimm Gnangnon, 2023. "Trade costs and tax transition reform in developing countries," Economics of Transition and Institutional Change, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 31(4), pages 941-977, October.
    4. Pallavi Roy & Mushtaq H. Khan, 2021. "Digitizing Taxation and Premature Formalization in Developing Countries," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 52(4), pages 855-877, July.
    5. Bolch, Kimberly B. & Ceriani, Lidia & López-Calva, Luis F., 2022. "The arithmetics and politics of domestic resource mobilization for poverty eradication," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).

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