Staff Reporter :
The government is moving to make Bangladesh’s tax system more transparent, technology-driven, and business-friendly, with digitalisation and legal reforms at the core of this effort, said National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan on Wednessday.
“Digitalisation and reform of tax laws are our top priorities to bring discipline and efficiency to the revenue system. We are working to make the process so digital that tampering will become nearly impossible,” Rahman said while addressing a ‘Meet the Business’ event organised by the NBR for the Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) at the Revenue Building in Dhaka.
He said the NBR is now focusing on facilitating tax refunds for compliant taxpayers, adding, “Last year, I apologised that we couldn’t offer refunds. This year, we are working to make it possible.”
The chairman announced that the English version of the Income Tax Act 2023 has been completed and will be gazetted soon, while the Customs Act and VAT Act are undergoing final review.
“Very soon, all three major tax laws will be available in English in official form,” he noted.
Rahman emphasised rewarding compliance, saying, “Compliant taxpayers often face a heavier burden than those outside the system. We are determined to correct that imbalance.”
He added that income tax return filing is now compulsory, and corporate tax returns will go online from next year, ensuring transparency.
Acknowledging that Bangladesh’s tax laws are still evolving toward global standards, he said gradual reforms would follow as compliance improves at the field level. He also reported that revenue collection rose by over 20percent in July–September, compared to just 3percent growth in the same period last year.
To enhance efficiency, the NBR will soon digitise all Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) certificates through the National Single Window (NSW) platform.
“So far, around 625,000 certificates, licences, and permits have been issued through this system, with 80percent delivered within an hour,” he said, adding that DTA certificates for royalties, dividends, and business profits will also go online within a month.
Rahman reiterated his zero-tolerance policy against corruption and taxpayer harassment, warning that strict action will be taken against unethical officials. “If you don’t report misconduct, the situation won’t improve,” he urged businesses.
On customs valuation, he stressed, “It must be the transaction price—no exceptions. Inflated or arbitrary valuations are unacceptable.” However, he warned that under-invoicing and false declarations would be dealt with firmly.
Rahman concluded by calling for integrity within the revenue administration: “Our goal is to collect only what is lawfully due, not more. We are committed to building a fair, efficient, and trusted tax system for a modern Bangladesh.”
