Dhaka: The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) on Thursday called on the government to ensure policy continuity in the upcoming national budget for FY2026-27. The request aims to facilitate business expansion and maintain investor confidence amid ongoing global economic uncertainties.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the appeal was made during a pre-budget consultation meeting with FBCCI's member bodies at the apex trade body's Motijheel office in the city, where recommendations for the next fiscal budget were discussed. In its proposals, FBCCI stressed rationalising interest rates, increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio, fully implementing one-stop services for businesses, and modernising port and logistics management.
Additionally, the organisation called for ensuring an uninterrupted power and energy supply, developing priority sectors to diversify exports, establishing a central bonded warehouse, and enacting stakeholder-based legislation. Business leaders advised the government to expand the tax net to raise the country's tax-to-GDP ratio. They also urged the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to strengthen transparency and accountability through automation and integration in tax policy, procedures, and administration.
FBCCI Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan stated that the government aims to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio to 15 percent. He assured the business community that efforts to increase revenue collection would not necessarily lead to higher tax burdens on existing taxpayers, noting that revenue growth would come through expanding the tax base.
Rahim Khan also mentioned that FBCCI will present rational proposals from the private sector at the 46th advisory committee meeting of the NBR. Earlier, in his welcome remarks, FBCCI Secretary General Md Alamgir highlighted the challenges of preparing the FY2026-27 budget amidst an unstable global economy, volatile energy market, and uncertain investment prospects. He urged the business community to support the government with constructive and realistic proposals.
The meeting was attended by former NBR member and FBCCI Budget Expert Committee member Md Farid Uddin and Aminur Rahman, along with former FBCCI directors, leaders of various chambers and associations, and officials of the organisation.