Dhaka – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to inaugurate a two-day Revenue Conference on Sunday at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in the capital. The conference, organised by the National Board of Revenue (NBR), aims to enhance the country’s revenue management system and raise public awareness regarding tax compliance and financial policies. On the same day, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate the newly constructed NBR headquarters.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the NBR conference room, NBR Chairman Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem highlighted the significance of the event. “The conference will feature three key seminars focusing on Value Added Tax (VAT), customs, and income tax,” he stated. Additionally, information booths will be set up to facilitate discussions and offer guidance on these financial matters, with a particular emphasis on online services to enhance taxpayer awareness and engagement.
Seminar Focus Areas
| Seminar Topic | Key Discussion Points |
|---|---|
| VAT | Digital VAT collection, compliance challenges, and sector-specific taxation |
| Customs | Trade facilitation, tariff structures, and modernisation of customs procedures |
| Income Tax | Expanding the tax net, online tax filing, and tax exemptions |
NBR Member Pradyut Kumar Sarkar addressed the issue of tax-to-GDP ratio, stating that it would see an upward trend as tax exemptions are gradually phased out. “Over the past two decades, tax exemptions in various sectors have significantly contributed to economic development,” he explained. “While certain sectors, such as agriculture and trade, have benefitted from these incentives, the government will now focus on reducing exemptions for industries that have attained financial stability.”
Bangladesh’s GDP currently stands at approximately US$470 billion, a testament to its economic resilience and growth. However, experts believe that a more structured taxation approach will be essential for sustaining long-term fiscal stability.
Gradual Reduction of Tax Exemptions
| Sector | Current Status | Future Outlook |
| Agriculture | Receives tax exemptions | Limited exemptions for large-scale agribusinesses |
| Trade & Commerce | Incentivised through reduced tariffs | Phased withdrawal of benefits in mature industries |
| Emerging Sectors | Certain industries enjoy tax holidays | Targeted support for start-ups and innovation-driven sectors |
NBR Member Masud Sadiq reiterated that the board is aligning its revenue policies with international financial requirements, particularly those set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “Revenue growth remains a top priority, and we are following a structured approach to meet fiscal targets. However, tax restructuring is a continuous process and is carried out annually during budget planning, irrespective of any external financial conditions,” he noted.
The conference is expected to provide valuable insights into the nation’s evolving tax framework and foster discussions on economic sustainability. The event will bring together policymakers, financial experts, and business leaders to explore avenues for boosting tax revenues while ensuring a business-friendly environment.