Dhaka: The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has announced a significant policy change aimed at enhancing energy efficiency in the transportation sector by eliminating all import duties on electric school buses. This move is part of a strategic effort to reduce fuel consumption across the nation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this initiative marks the first phase of a broader government plan to bolster energy efficiency within public transportation systems. NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan revealed this development during a pre-budget discussion for the fiscal year 2026-2027, held at the Revenue Building in Dhaka. Khan emphasized that unlike other fiscal measures typically aligned with the national budget, the duty waiver for electric school buses will be enacted immediately.
The NBR Chairman assured stakeholders that a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) will soon be issued to formalize this exemption. Khan noted that while the upcoming national budget will include significant changes concerning the electric vehicle (EV) sector, the government has chosen to expedite this particular measure.
During the meeting, transport organization leaders, including those from the Bangladesh Automobile Assemblers and Manufacturers Association (BAAMA) and the Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA), advocated for reduced registration costs for EVs. They suggested clearer definitions based on cubic centimeters (CC) and kilowatts to facilitate this.
Khan also addressed the issue of stalled VAT refunds, attributing the delay to the absence of an automated system. He acknowledged the unfairness of the situation and promised improvements as operations transition online.
In other discussions, the NBR declined to lower taxes on jet fuel due to theft prevention concerns. Furthermore, while petroleum dealers requested zero-duty imports for truck chassis to replace aging vehicles, the NBR remains committed to balancing environmental objectives with revenue needs.
The meeting was well-attended, with representatives from various sectors, including motorcycle, shipbuilding, and aviation industries, engaging in the discussions.