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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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  • Mirza Hassan
  • Wilson Prichard

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

  • Mirza Hassan & Wilson Prichard, 2016. "The Political Economy of Domestic Tax Reform in Bangladesh: Political Settlements, Informal Institutions and the Negotiation of Reform," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 52(12), pages 1704-1721, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jdevst:v:52:y:2016:i:12:p:1704-1721
    DOI: 10.1080/00220388.2016.1153072
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Bird, Richard M., 2008. "Tax challenges facing developing countries," Working Papers 08/als1, National Institute of Public Finance and Policy.
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    5. Mirza Hassan, 2013. "Political settlement dynamics in a limited-access order: The case of Bangladesh," Global Development Institute Working Paper Series esid-023-13, GDI, The University of Manchester.
    6. repec:idb:brikps:publication-detail,7101.html?id=4565 is not listed on IDEAS
    7. Mr. David Kloeden, 2011. "Revenue Administration Reforms in anglophone Africa Since the Early 1990's," IMF Working Papers 2011/162, International Monetary Fund.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Khadiza Begum, 2024. "Tax Reforms in Bangladesh: An Overview," International Journal of Science and Business, IJSAB International, vol. 35(1), pages 1-14.
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    5. Batabyal, Amitrajeet A. & Kourtit, Karima & Nijkamp, Peter, 2025. "Political competition, fiscal policy, and economic performance in techno-creative places," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).
    6. 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.
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    8. repec:idq:ictduk:13713 is not listed on IDEAS
    9. 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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