Staff Reporter :
The Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Md Abdur Rahman Khan, has stated that the forthcoming national budget will prioritise the removal of non-tariff barriers to create a more conducive environment for businesses in Bangladesh.
Speaking at a pre-budget discussion held at the Revenue Building’s conference room in the capital on Tuesday, Khan said, “Our key objective is to remove all obstacles hindering your progress-we are actively working on it.” He emphasised that the primary goal of the next fiscal year’s budget is to support entrepreneurs by fostering a business-friendly landscape.
The NBR chairman noted that the government aims to increase revenue collection by improving the overall business climate. “We are targeting increased revenue collection by ensuring a smooth and supportive atmosphere for businesses, eliminating barriers that currently exist,” he said.
Highlighting the disparity between statutory tax rates and the effective tax burden faced by
businesses, Khan remarked, “We are working on narrowing that gap.”
To support small and informal businesses that lack structured accounting systems, Khan announced the NBR’s plan to introduce a digital application designed to help users maintain financial records. “This app will allow users to keep all their financial records, ultimately making it easier for them to calculate taxes, including VAT,” he explained.
He reiterated the NBR’s broader objectives, which include enhancing revenue mobilisation, broadening the tax base, and reducing revenue leakage through curbing tax evasion. “Our aim is to eliminate tax expenditure entirely,” he said firmly.
Addressing long-standing tax incentives, Khan cautioned that businesses currently enjoying long-term tax exemptions or preferential rates should begin preparing to transition to standard taxation. “We must move away from the culture of widespread tax exemptions. While certain incentives will remain to promote new investment, the focus will be on fair taxation,” he added.
He also acknowledged persistent challenges related to tariff rationalisation and issues surrounding tariff valuation and HS Code classification. The NBR, he said, is preparing to address these matters separately.
The remarks from the NBR Chairman signal a clear policy direction ahead of the upcoming budget, with an emphasis on streamlining tax administration, promoting transparency, and improving compliance while reducing undue burdens on the business community.
