People must realise that development of a country is not possible without people's participation through tax payment, revenue officials told the workshop.

Economic Reporter's Forum (ERF) and National Board of Revenue (NBR) jointly organised the daylong 'Orientation workshop on revenue activities' at NBR office.

Members of ERF, a Dhaka-based organisation of economic reporters, participated in the workshop, which includes presentations on revenue system and open discussion.

Officials of the NBR focused on major obstacles to the tax collection process including people's reluctance to pay tax and tendency to evade tax through misdeclaration of taxable goods and under-invoicing.

They also pointed out some other problems such as submission of improper documents by taxpayers and lack of co-ordination in the collection system.

Addressing the workshop, NBR Chairman Khairuzzaman Chowdhury laid emphasis on minimising the communication gap between the taxpayers and revenue officials.

He said increasing efficiency of the officials, gradual change in tax structure and strong measures to control corruption could bring dynamism in the revenue system.

"It is true that NBR cannot always fulfil its target of revenue income, but if we compare the yearly achievement with that of previous years, a significant improvement is seen," NBR Member (Customs) Ali Ahmed said.

ERF President Monowar Hossain, General Secretary Nurul Hasan Khan and members of the NBR were present at the workshop.