Dhaka: National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan has called on revenue officials to adopt a more empathetic approach towards the business community to foster business growth in the country. Addressing a pre-budget meeting with various business associations held at the NBR Conference Room in Agargaon, he emphasized the importance of empathy in enhancing business development.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the NBR chairman highlighted the unjust nature of both excessive taxation and excessive leniency in tax collection, urging officials to identify and take action against such practices. He assured that the upcoming fiscal budget for 2025-26 would be designed to benefit business people, hinting at potential tax benefits to expand the tax base and enhance revenue collection.
Khan revealed that while there are currently 1.13 crore TIN holders in the country, only 41 lakh have filed their income tax returns. The NBR is intensifying its surveillance of TIN holders to detect tax evasion and reduce harassment, with a focus on expanding the tax net to include thriving business activities at upazila and district levels.
He announced plans for field-level officials to visit growth centers to conduct registrations, complete assessments, and process payments, all through an online system, with assistance from business associations. Addressing corruption allegations at the Chattogram Customs House, Khan urged decisive action against any misconduct.
On the subject of tax rates, the chairman remarked that the era of reduced rate taxes should end, advocating for standard rates. He also noted the NBR’s recent efforts to abolish certain SROs related to tax exemptions, confirming that these exemptions would conclude by June 2025 and would not be extended further.