Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz has announced that a tax fair will be held in the first week of May to facilitate easier and hassle-free payment of holding tax for residents.
Speaking at a public hearing with residents of Region-7 at the Uttara Community Center, Ejaz said a one-stop service cell would be set up at the fair, enabling citizens to pay their taxes instantly and conveniently.
Addressing a question from a resident regarding tax waivers, Ejaz clarified that there is no legal provision for widespread exemption of multiple years of unpaid holding tax. "There are legal procedures governing the assessment and payment of holding tax. We cannot override these laws to waive past dues, as it would be illegal and could cause complications in the future,” he said.
He explained that if past dues are waived unlawfully, future officials may be forced to recollect those taxes, creating further issues for residents. He urged citizens to pay their taxes annually in accordance with the law.
However, Ejaz noted that residents can apply for rebates. “We offer tax rebates within our legal boundaries and try to approve the maximum allowable amount to reduce the total payable sum,” he said.
The DNCC administrator also addressed the issue of illegal street vendors, encouraging residents to avoid buying from them. “Dhaka has enough markets and bazaars. By choosing those over footpath vendors, citizens can help us tackle the issue more effectively,” he said, adding that regular drives will be conducted with public cooperation.
Regarding dengue prevention, he stressed collective responsibility. “While DNCC workers are actively working, every resident must also maintain cleanliness at home and in their surroundings,” he said.
The hearing was also attended by Regional Executive Officer of Region-7 Md. Khaybur Rahman and Regional Executive Officer of Region-8 Md. Zulkar Nayan, among others.
Mohammad Ejaz has been holding public hearings across all DNCC regions, with seven completed so far. These forums allow citizens to voice complaints, give feedback, and raise service-related issues. Participants are also given forms to submit their written opinions and grievances.
