Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has strongly opposed the government’s plan to legalize undisclosed income, saying it goes against the spirit of the July uprising.

CPD shared this view while reviewing the proposed national budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year, which Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed presented on behalf of the interim government.

At a press briefing on Tuesday at Lakeshore Hotel in Dhaka, CPD Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun said that allowing people to legalize black money discourages honest taxpayers.

She emphasized that tax authorities should focus on strictly enforcing current tax laws instead of offering chances that encourage tax evasion.

Dr Fahmida said this plan conflicts with the values of the July uprising, which stood for justice and fairness.

She also noted that similar past efforts did not significantly increase government revenue. Dr Fahmida warned that if such amnesty is given, it should only be a one-time offer and should not become a regular practice.

MSK/