Dhaka: Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed today hinted that the corporate tax rates would be revisited in the next budget for FY26 since those are high in the country. The Adviser also stated that emphasis would be given to realizing more direct tax than indirect tax to reduce disparity in the country. These remarks were made during a briefing with reporters after a pre-budget meeting with the country’s renowned economists at the State Guest House Padma in the capital this evening.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Ahmed mentioned that after taking charge, he canceled many SROs on tax exemptions granted to various sectors and individuals. He indicated that such exemptions would be further reduced in the next budget to lower tax expenditure. He emphasized that the impact of indirect tax is equally burdensome on both the rich and poor, hence the focus would be on collecting more direct taxes.
The Finance Adviser outlined his intention to accomplish at least two significant tasks before the success
ive government takes over. One major task is to separate revenue collection from revenue policy, a process that will be initiated and expected to be continued by the next government after necessary legal rectifications.
Dr Ahmed also highlighted issues related to project implementation delays, suggesting a new system where development projects are prepared in the first two quarters and implemented in the last two quarters of a fiscal year. He shared that the economists present at the meeting recommended controlling inflation through prudent monetary policy and advised creating buffer stocks of essential items while generating more employment opportunities.
The meeting also touched on local projects for employment creation and emphasized skills development in the upcoming budget. There was a call for the optimal utilization of resources and expenditure in primary education, ensuring that real beneficiaries receive support from social safety nets.
Dr Salehuddin assured that the next budget for FY26 would not
be overly ambitious and set a target to contain inflation at 6.5 percent in the next fiscal year. Dhaka University Prof. Dr MM Akash suggested the interim government take steps that would leave a lasting impact for the successive government.
Finance Division Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzman Mozumder noted that the upcoming budget would be transparent, with necessary guidelines being received. The meeting was attended by eminent economists including CPD Chairman Dr Rehman Sobhan, PRI Chairman Dr Zaidi Sattar, and others. Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury and Financial Institutions Division Secretary Nazma Mubarek were also present.