Dhaka: National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan today announced that the upcoming national budget for FY26 would feature business-friendly and public welfare-oriented revenue and tax measures, which aim to ease the burden on general taxpayers and the business community. "Absolutely business-friendly and public welfare-oriented issues will be the key in revenue measures and tax collection in the next budget," he stated during his address at a RAPID-ERF Seminar on "Domestic Resource Mobilization" held at the ERF Auditorium in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the seminar was presided over by ERF President Doulot Akter Mala. Dhaka University Professor and RAPID Executive Director Dr. M Abu Eusuf delivered the keynote presentation, while Shawkat Hossain Masum, Head of Online at the Daily Prothom Alo, participated as a discussant. ERF General Secretary Abul Kashem moderated the event. The NBR Chairman emphasized that the agency's recent operations have prioritized public interest over mere revenue collection.
He highlighted the reduction of import duties on essential items such as sugar, dates, lentils, rice, onion, and eggs, which aimed to keep these goods affordable for the general public. Rahman acknowledged that the reduction in duties resulted in a considerable loss of revenue amounting to thousands of crores of Taka.
Responding to inquiries, Rahman clarified that while new tax exemptions would not be introduced, existing exemptions would be gradually reduced. He also addressed the issue of a single VAT rate, suggesting that although a single rate is desirable, it would require consensus within the business community.
Rahman noted that special regulatory orders (SROs) would no longer be frequently issued, and a 'sunset clause' would be implemented to ensure predictable revenue policies. He called for cooperation from the business community and media, expressing the goal of establishing an NBR capable of generating sufficient revenue without resorting to loans.
The Chairman outlined plans for full digitalization of NBR operations to enhance the tax net and implement risk-based audit selections to target tax evaders. He stressed the importance of facilitating compliant taxpayers and expressed a desire to make Bangladesh's tax regime more competitive to attract foreign direct investment.
Future plans include limiting the acceptance of offline income tax returns to exceptional cases, with full automation expected to alleviate taxpayer concerns and streamline audit processes. Rahman admitted the NBR's challenges in effectively pursuing tax evaders and emphasized ongoing efforts to improve VAT collection operations.
On the matter of legalizing undisclosed income for property purchases, Rahman indicated that if allowed, it would entail higher taxes. He mentioned upcoming discussions with the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) regarding their concerns on this issue.