The Cabinet on Monday gave the final approval, subject to vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division, to a draft ordinance seeking to restore the provision requiring taxpayers to submit VAT returns within 15 days after the end of each tax period instead of every three tax periods.

The clearance was given to the draft Value Added Tax and Supplementary Duty (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026 at the cabinet meeting held with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

The draft law proposed amendment to section 64 of the Value Added Tax and Supplementary Duty Act, 2012, to bring greater dynamism to revenue collection at the field level.

Under the proposed provision, VAT returns will have to be submitted within 15 days of the end of each tax period, instead of the existing provision allowing submission within 15 days after the end of every three tax periods.

If the 15th day falls on a public holiday, the return may be submitted on the next working day.

The proposed amendment also provides additional time for certain taxpayers. Government, semi-government and autonomous bodies, banks, insurance companies, and individuals or entities submitting zero returns will be allowed to submit their returns within 20 days of the end of every tax period.

The Internal Resources Division placed the draft ordinance before the cabinet for both approval in-principle and final approval.

Congratulates PM Tarique Rahman on his UNGA participation

The Cabinet adopted a congratulatory resolution on Bangladesh’s participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman

The Cabinet described Bangladesh’s participation under the Prime Minister’s leadership as a historic and prestigious event for the country.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman addressed the 81st UN General Assembly on September 24, 2026.

The Cabinet noted that his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, had addressed the 11th Special Session of the UN General Assembly on August 26, 1980, while his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, addressed the 48th session of the UN General Assembly on October 1, 1993.

It said the representation of Bangladesh at the UN General Assembly by three members of the same family was a unique event in world history.

During his four-day visit, the Prime Minister participated in 32 international programmes and meetings, according to the Cabinet resolution.

Besides delivering his speech at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, he addressed seven high-level meetings, held bilateral meetings with 11 countries and met senior officials of 10 international organisations, including the United Nations.

The Cabinet said Bangladesh’s participation in the UN General Assembly under the Prime Minister’s leadership highlighted the government’s commitments and aspirations at the global level and played an important role in expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

So, the Cabinet extended its heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the Bangladesh delegation.