Dhaka: National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan announced today that measures will be implemented to streamline tax procedures for taxpayers’ convenience. He emphasized the need to address gold smuggling and ensure fair pricing of essential goods, speaking at a press briefing after inaugurating a passenger service help desk at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the NBR chairman highlighted discrepancies between the amount of gold available in the country and its official import records, indicating a ‘grey’ area concerning gold imports. Khan noted that while there is no shortage of gold in jewelry shops, official import statistics show a low volume. He emphasized the necessity of regulating this issue and mentioned efforts to amend baggage rules and address import barriers.
Regarding smuggling, Khan stated plans to engage with the Civil Aviation Authority chairman and potentially enact stringent laws to hold accountable those aircraft author
ities involved in gold smuggling, including the possibility of banning airlines and revoking their route permits. He stressed the need for cooperation to establish rules and regulations across all areas.
As the secretary of the Internal Resources Division, Khan mentioned initiatives to digitize operations, reducing the need for taxpayers to visit NBR offices physically. Plans to launch a mobile application next year for tax return submissions aim to advance the automation of the tax payment process. Additionally, debit and credit card transactions have been facilitated, with minimal processing fees for payments below Taka 25,000 and above.
The NBR chairman also announced that all corporate tax returns would be online by next year. Ahead of Ramadan, the NBR is focusing on stabilizing prices for key commodities. Khan assured efforts to ensure reasonable prices for essential items like potatoes, onions, and sugar, with potential duty reductions on dates.
Khan pointed out that sugar prices have become more aff
ordable due to tariff reductions, while import duties on eggs have been lowered. However, international price hikes for soybean and palm oil have raised edible oil prices locally. The customs department has improved passenger service delivery, eliminating long queues and harassment, with the new help desk set to provide seamless services.
Khan also mentioned the compulsory e-return submission for individual taxpayers this year, with ongoing improvements to make the system more user-friendly. From next year, a mobile app will be launched for e-return submissions, and corporate tax returns will be fully online.