Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has cautiously welcomed the government's decision not to include any provision for legalizing undisclosed wealth in the proposed FY2026-27 budget, while calling for mandatory asset declarations by public servants as a condition for receiving benefits under a new government pay scale.

In a statement issued on Thursday following the budget announcement, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the exclusion of the long-criticized black money legalization provision sends a positive signal regarding the government's anti-corruption commitments.

"The decision not to include the unconstitutional, discriminatory and corruption-enabling provision for legalizing black money sends an important message in support of the government's anti-corruption electoral commitment," he said.

However, he warned that similar provisions have often reappeared later through finance bills under various justifications, including promoting investment and employment. TIB urged the government not to reintroduce the measure in any form, arguing that repeated amnesties have failed to generate meaningful economic benefits while encouraging tax evasion and undermining honest taxpayers.

The anti-corruption watchdog also endorsed the government's proposal to introduce a new pay structure for public employees, describing the salary increase as justified after an 11-year gap and amid rising living costs.

But TIB said improved salaries alone would not guarantee better governance or corruption-free public service.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman proposed that eligibility for the new pay scale should be tied to mandatory annual declarations of income and assets by government officials and employees, including those of dependent family members.

"The public will ultimately bear the cost of the new pay scale and its inflationary impact. Therefore, asset disclosure is essential in the interest of accountability and corruption-free public service," he said.

TIB also welcomed tax relief measures on essential goods and services but stressed that promised reforms to improve transparency and efficiency in tax administration must be effectively implemented.

The organization argued that technology-based monitoring alone would not be sufficient to curb tax evasion, urging stronger action against corruption within the revenue administration.

TIB further expressed disappointment that the proposed budget contained no clear roadmap for strengthening governance and accountability in budget implementation, and called on the government to address the issue before the final budget is approved.

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