United News of Bangladesh

The government on Tuesday approved a proposal to establish two administrative divisions - the Revenue Policy Division and the Revenue Management Division - aimed at improving transparency, accountability and efficiency in revenue collection and management. The approval was granted at the 119th meeting of the National Implementation Committee for Administrative Reforms/Reorganisation (NICAR), which was also the first meeting held during the tenure of the interim government. The meeting took place at the state guesthouse Jamuna, chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. A total of 11 proposals related to administrative reorganisation were approved at the meeting. Govt orders deposition of licensed firearms by Jan 31 ahead of election Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters after the meeting. The Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance, 2025, has already been issued, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Advisers, Secretaries and Senior Secretaries of the government, including the Cabinet Secretary and the Principal Secretary, were present at the meeting. The committee also approved a proposal to restructure the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare by merging the Health Services Division and the Health Education and Family Welfare Division. A proposal to rename the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs as the Ministry of Women and Children was approved. However, the English name of the ministry, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA), will remain unchanged. Considering environmental global heritage, tourism, and economic potential, the proposal to upgrade Satkhira district from a ‘B’ category district to an ‘A’ category district was also approved. The meeting also approved proposals to establish three new police stations - Purbachal North in Gazipur district, Purbachal South in Narayanganj district, and Matarbari in Cox’s Bazar district. Govt clarifies Prof Yunus’ support for ‘Yes’ vote Besides, a proposal to establish another police station by splitting Raipura police station in Narsingdi district was approved. The committee approved a proposal to correct the spelling of the Bhulli police station in Thakurgaon district.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Sunday (January 18, 2026) launched an automated system that allows income tax paid at the import stage to be directly credited to taxpayers’ electronic income tax returns, significantly easing long-standing compliance hassles for importers. The new facility has been introduced through the successful integration of the NBR’s e-return system with ASYCUDA World, the customs clearance platform. From now on, advance income tax paid during import will automatically appear as a credit in the concerned taxpayer’s e-return. Officials said the move has effectively ended years of difficulties faced by importers in adjusting import-stage income tax against their final tax liability. Read More: NBR sees growing use of e-returns by expatriate Bangladeshis At the same time, it has made the process of filing e-returns simpler and more efficient for importing businesses. Under the new system, when an importer enters business income details in the e-return for a particular assessment year, information related to advance income tax paid against each Bill of Entry during that year will be displayed automatically. The credited amount is then deducted from the total payable income tax, enabling the system to determine the final tax payable along with the return. The NBR noted that the initiative is part of its broader effort to digitise tax administration and improve taxpayer services through automation and system integration. The e-return system for the 2025–26 tax year was formally inaugurated on August 4, 2025 by Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed through the website www.etaxnbr.gov.bd. Read More: NBR links ASYCUDA World with BGMEA e-UD system to modernise bond management Since the launch, more than 4.6 million taxpayers have registered on the e-return platform, while around 3.3 million taxpayers have already submitted their income tax returns online. Notably, the NBR said, many individuals for whom e-return filing is not mandatory are also voluntarily submitting their returns through the online system, indicating growing acceptance of digital tax services. The scope of the system has also been expanded to include non-resident Bangladeshis. Expatriate taxpayers can now register and submit their income tax returns online. So far, nearly 4,000 expatriate Bangladeshis have filed their income tax returns for the 2025–26 tax year through the e-return system. According to the NBR, taxpayers are not required to upload any supporting documents or papers while filing returns online. The authority reiterated that its efforts are focused on enabling individual taxpayers to pay taxes and submit returns easily from home, without physical visits to tax offices. The NBR has urged all individual taxpayers to submit their income tax returns online through the e-return system by January 31, 2026. Read more: Mobile phone prices set to fall as NBR slashes import duty

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Tuesday (January 13, 2026) slashed customs duty on imported mobile phones by 60 per cent aimed at keeping handset prices within the purchasing capacity of consumers amid rising living costs. It issued two separate statutory regulatory orders in this regard. According to an NBR notification, the customs duty on imported finished mobile phones has been reduced to 10 per cent from the existing 25 per cent. The revenue authority said the decision was taken to ensure that mobile phones remain affordable for the general public and to facilitate wider access to digital services. Read more: NBR links ASYCUDA World with BGMEA e-UD system to modernise bond management To protect local mobile phone assembling companies from facing adverse competition due to the duty cut on finished handset imports, the NBR simultaneously reduced customs duty on the import of raw materials and components used by domestic assemblers. In another notification, the duty on importing such components has been lowered to 5 per cent from 10 per cent. The NBR said the dual measures were designed to strike a balance between consumer interest and the sustainability of the domestic mobile phone assembling industry. As a direct impact of the revised duty structure, the government estimates that the price of each imported finished mobile phone priced above Tk 30,000 will fall by around Tk 5,500. Meanwhile, the price of each locally assembled mobile phone in the same price segment is expected to decline by approximately Tk 1,500. With mobile phones playing a critical role in communication, digital financial services, e-governance and education, ensuring affordability has become a key policy priority, NBR officials said. The revenue authority also reaffirmed that the government’s efforts to keep mobile phone prices within the reach of consumers would continue in line with its broader goal of promoting digital inclusion and expanding access to technology across the country. At the same time, Bangladesh has introduced the National Equipment Identity Register as a major regulatory step aimed at curbing the use and trade of illegal, counterfeit and unregistered mobile handsets, strengthening consumer protection and safeguarding government revenue. Launched under the supervision of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, the NEIR system requires every mobile phone to be registered through its unique International Mobile Equipment Identity number before it can access cellular networks. Authorities say the platform will help block stolen or smuggled devices, reduce grey market imports, improve network security and ensure a level playing field for compliant importers and manufacturers who pay applicable duties and taxes. Read more: NBR launches e-VAT module for paper-based returns However, the rollout has triggered protests from mobile phone traders across the country particularly small and medium retailers who fear that the system could disrupt business and impose new financial and administrative burdens. Protesters have demanded a longer transition period, clearer guidelines, amnesty for existing stock and stronger public awareness campaigns before full enforcement.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has established an electronic interconnection between ASYCUDA World and BGMEA’s e-Utilisation Declaration (e-UD) system, aiming to modernise Bangladesh’s bond management and customs clearance processes. The integration came into effect on January 11 with a plan to make the bond management system more modern, efficient and technology-driven, while ensuring faster assessment and clearance of bonded raw materials and exported goods, NBR officials said. They said the initiative is also expected to strengthen transparency, accountability and competitiveness in line with international best practices. Under the bonded warehouse facility, exporters, particularly those in the readymade garment sector, can import raw materials duty-free against their export commitments. Previously, verification of Utilisation Declarations (UDs) involved manual processes and reliance on BGMEA’s internal system. This often resulted in procedural complexities, delays in clearance, and challenges in ensuring effective oversight, revenue protection and accountability. With the new interconnection, UD verification will now be conducted fully online and on a real-time basis through ASYCUDA World, Bangladesh’s automated customs management system. According to the NBR officials, the move will significantly reduce paperwork, minimise human intervention and speed up customs procedures for both imports and exports under the bond facility. The NBR said the initiative would bring several tangible benefits, including faster and more efficient clearance of import-export consignments, reduced dependence on physical documents, and a substantial reduction in revenue risks through improved digital verification. The integration is also expected to enhance overall risk management and strengthen safeguards against misuse of bonded facilities. Officials noted that the successful completion of the pilot phase paved the way for the full-scale integration. Following this, the authorities plan to gradually introduce electronic UD write-off procedures, further automating the bond management lifecycle and reducing manual interventions at later stages. The integration has been implemented as a joint initiative of the NBR and BGMEA, reflecting closer collaboration between the revenue authority and the country’s largest export-oriented trade body. The readymade garment sector accounts for the bulk of Bangladesh’s export earnings, and efficient bond management is considered critical for maintaining its global competitiveness. Describing the initiative as a milestone, the NBR said the interconnection is a major step towards establishing a paperless customs system in Bangladesh. It is expected to play an important role in trade facilitation, reducing transaction costs, and aligning the country’s customs administration with international standards. The NBR reiterated its commitment to leveraging technology to modernise customs operations, improve ease of doing business and support the country’s export-led growth, while ensuring effective revenue protection and regulatory compliance.  

The Energy and Mineral Resources Division has urged the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to revise the existing VAT and tax structure on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports and local production, aiming to stabilise supply and ease consumer pressure amid an ongoing market crunch. In its letter, sent in reference to recent decisions of the Advisory Council and a petition submitted by the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB), the Energy Division noted that around 98 per cent of the country’s LPG demand is met through imports by private sector operators, while the fuel is widely used for household cooking as well as in industrial activities. The letter pointed out that LPG prices typically rise during the winter season due to constrained global supply and increased domestic demand. Traders behind LPG price manipulation: Energy Adviser The situation has worsened as lower pipeline natural gas supply has pushed households and industries towards LPG, triggering a supply crunch that is disrupting daily life and drawing wide media attention. Referring to a memorandum issued by the Internal Resources Division on December 23, 2025, the Energy Division cited discussions held at the Advisory Council meeting on December 18, 2025. At that meeting, the council considered a proposal to withdraw the existing 15 per cent VAT exemption at the import stage and impose a 10 per cent VAT, while extending relief at other stages of the supply chain. The proposal also includes retaining the 7.5 per cent VAT at the local production stage, alongside exemptions from VAT at the business or trading stage and exemption from advance income tax. According to the Advisory Council, such a restructuring could help rationalise the overall tax burden on LPG and contribute to price stability. LPG crisis artificial, stern action to be taken: Ministry The council, however, stressed that any revision must be supported by a detailed analysis of its impact on consumers. The meeting minutes recorded that it is essential to assess the extent to which LPG purchase costs at the consumer level would fall if the proposed measures are implemented. To ensure this, the Advisory Council directed the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, the Ministry of Commerce and the Internal Resources Division to carry out a coordinated review and resubmit the proposal to the council with a clear assessment of consumer price implications. The Energy Division also informed the NBR that the issue had been discussed in a meeting with leaders of the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB). While the division expressed agreement with the Advisory Council’s broader approach, LOAB representatives reiterated their demand for zero per cent VAT at the import stage, opposing the proposed 10 per cent rate. Despite this difference, official records indicate that LOAB had broadly aligned with the Advisory Council’s deliberations, though disagreements remain over the specific VAT rate at the import level. The Energy Division said that policy support through a rationalised VAT and tax structure is crucial to maintaining normal LPG supply, particularly at a time when pipeline gas availability remains limited. LPG prices for Jan up but BERC admits lack of control over retailers It urged the NBR to take necessary steps in line with the Advisory Council’s guidance, taking into account the prevailing market situation and the need to protect consumers from further price shocks. LP Gas Traders Cooperative Society announced an indefinite countrywide strike from Thursday in the marketing and supply of the fuel, demanding higher distribution and retail charges.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has taken a step towards fully digitising the country’s VAT administration by introducing a new initiative that allows taxpayers to bring all previously submitted paper-based VAT returns under the e-VAT system. It has added a sub-module titled “Hard Copy Return Entry” to the e-VAT platform, enabling taxpayers to directly enter their past hard copy monthly returns into the online system. The revenue authority issued a circular to this end on Monday outlining the operational procedures of the newly added sub-module. Taxpayers who had earlier submitted VAT returns in paper form can now upload and store those returns in the e-VAT system themselves, following the instructions in the circular. Read more: Bangladesh exports rise in Dec on monthly momentum, still down from year earlier The measure is expected to reduce administrative bottlenecks, minimise errors, and make compliance easier for thousands of VAT payers nationwide. Currently, paper returns are entered into the e-VAT system by the Central Processing Centre (CPC) of the respective VAT commissionerates. In this manual process, officials input data from hard copy returns, which often creates complications in assigning responsibility for errors and increases the workload of VAT offices. Manual entry of large volumes of returns is also time-consuming, delaying updates in the e-VAT system. As a result, many taxpayers have faced automatic imposition of interest and penalties, despite submitting their returns on time. In some cases, taxpayers were unable to file online VAT returns as the system does not permit submission without clearing the imposed penalties. The NBR said the new Hard Copy Return Entry sub-module is designed to resolve these long-standing issues. Taxpayers who submitted paper returns within the legally prescribed time under Section 64 of the VAT and Supplementary Duty Act, 2012, can now enter those returns into the e-VAT system without incurring any interest or penalty. Eligible taxpayers will receive notifications via email and mobile phone with a link to the e-VAT system, allowing them to use the sub-module and complete the data entry themselves. The NBR set a deadline of March 31, 2026, for uploading all previously submitted paper returns without any penalty or interest. NBR launches Security Operations Centre to strengthen cyber security Once historical returns are fully uploaded, taxpayers will be able to submit all future VAT returns online without interruption. The revenue authority said the initiative is part of its broader effort to digitise tax administration, improve transparency, and ensure greater accountability in the VAT system. The NBR also urged taxpayers to cooperate fully to make the transition smooth and effective.

Bangladesh’s export earnings extended a steady month-on-month rise in December 2025, climbing to $3.97 billion, even as shipments fell sharply from a year earlier amid global headwinds. Data from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) show exports grew 1.97 percent from November, signalling continued recovery in monthly momentum.  Earnings were, however,  14.25 percent lower than December 2024, underscoring persistent pressure on the country’s external sector. For the first half of the 2025–26 fiscal year (July–December), total exports stood at about $24 billion, down 2.19 percent from $24.53 billion recorded in the same period last year. Read more: From backbone to decline; Bangladesh’s jute exports plunge The readymade garment (RMG) sector remained the backbone of export earnings.  In December alone, apparel shipments generated $3.23 billion, matching the overall monthly growth rate of 1.97 percent.  Both knitwear and woven garments continued to dominate export receipts. Several non-RMG sectors also showed resilience during the month.  Exports of specialised and home textiles, agriculture and fisheries, and frozen and live fish and vegetables posted positive growth. Industrial goods — including chemical products, rubber, leather, bicycles, and jute and jute-based goods — also contributed to December’s performance. The United States, Germany and the United Kingdom remained Bangladesh’s top three export destinations. Shipments to these markets rose 7.14 percent, 18.08 percent and 14.50 percent, respectively, on a monthly basis. Signs of diversification also emerged, with strong gains in several emerging markets. DITF to boost exports, economic activity, jobs: Prof Yunus Exports to the United Arab Emirates increased 25.39 percent, while Australia and Canada posted growth of 21.33 percent and 9.13 percent, respectively. Headwinds and Global Pressures Industry analysts attribute the year-on-year decline and broader fiscal pressure to a convergence of external challenges, including weakening global demand and the imposition of reciprocal tariffs by the United States. Rising competition from China, which has shifted focus toward markets where Bangladesh traditionally holds an advantage, along with higher domestic production costs and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, continues to weigh on the country’s export outlook. Read more: NBR launches e-VAT module for paper-based returns

The interim government of Bangladesh has extended the deadline for submitting income tax returns for individual taxpayers for the second time for the 2025–26 tax year. According to an order issued by the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the return submission deadline has been extended from December 31, 2025 to January 31, 2026. It says the decision was taken in public interest under the powers conferred by Section 334 of the Income Tax Act, 2023, with prior approval from the government. Read more: NBR cuts customs duty on date imports ahead of Ramadan Earlier, the NBR had extended the original deadline once from November 30 to December 31, citing various difficulties faced by taxpayers. The latest extension aims to provide additional time to facilitate wider compliance and ease pressure on taxpayers. The NBR has urged eligible taxpayers to avail themselves of the extended time and submit their returns within the revised deadline to avoid any inconvenience. Read more: NBR extends VAT exemption on Metro Rail services

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) ended 2025 at the centre of Bangladesh’s growing fiscal challenge, struggling to raise higher revenue in a slowing economy while attempting long-promised reforms of a tax system criticised for inefficiency, discretion and a narrow base. The year unfolded as a mix of reform initiatives, technology-driven upgrades and aggressive policy moves, alongside deep-rooted structural weaknesses and unprecedented institutional unrest within the revenue administration. Together, these factors shaped a year of cautious transition, missed targets and unresolved debates over the future of tax reform. At a broader level, NBR’s revenue performance reflected the country’s macroeconomic stress. Sluggish imports caused by foreign exchange constraints, weak domestic demand and cautious private investment reduced traditional revenue flows. Despite repeated assurances of improved efficiency, revenue collection fell short of targets for much of the year. Bangladesh’s continued dependence on a small taxpayer base and import-stage taxes again proved risky. Customs duties and import-based VAT, long the strongest pillars of revenue, came under pressure as import controls were tightened to stabilise the balance of payments. Revenue mobilisation faced further strain in the first five months of FY2025–26. Between July and November, NBR collected about Tk 1.49 lakh crore, posting nearly 15 percent year-on-year growth but missing the target by around Tk 24,000 crore. Officials blamed weak import growth for the shortfall, which directly hit customs revenue. Income tax collection recorded double-digit growth but still lagged behind expectations due to limited compliance, a narrow tax base and slower business activity. VAT performed relatively better, supported by price adjustments and enforcement efforts, but also failed to meet targets. The shortfall comes as the government faces mounting pressure to finance rising expenditure, including debt servicing and social protection programmes, while cutting reliance on bank borrowing. Analysts warn that without faster progress on automation, administration reform and compliance, meeting the annual revenue target will remain difficult. One area of progress was taxpayer registration. The number of Taxpayer Identification Number holders rose to more than 10.2 million, up from around nine million a few years ago. However, only about four million taxpayers submitted income tax returns, underscoring the challenge of turning registration into actual compliance. VAT remained central to domestic revenue efforts. Although the NBR took steps to expand registration and promote electronic invoicing, progress was uneven. About 644,000 businesses are registered for VAT, a small fraction of the total number of operating enterprises. Traders continue to cite complexity, compliance costs and discretionary enforcement as major obstacles. Technology-based reforms became more visible during the year. Expanded use of ASYCUDA World, automated customs bond management and new digital modules at land ports were rolled out. However, taxpayers frequently reported system disruptions and ongoing manual intervention, highlighting gaps between policy design and practical implementation. Policy volatility also drew criticism. The NBR issued numerous exemptions and adjustments through statutory regulatory orders during the year, raising concerns about predictability, lobbying influence and unequal treatment across sectors. The most defining episode of 2025 was the unprecedented agitation by NBR officials following the promulgation of the Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance, 2025. Protests disrupted operations for nearly two months, slowed revenue collection and exposed internal tensions over reform ownership. Although full-scale strikes were later withdrawn, unease within the organisation has yet to fully subside. NBR enables election aspirants to file online tax returns Adding to the pressure, the government raised the NBR’s revenue target for FY2025–26 to around Tk 5.54 lakh crore from Tk 4.99 lakh crore at mid-year, despite ongoing economic headwinds. As 2025 ends, the NBR stands at a crossroads. While reform intent is evident and digital foundations are being laid, analysts argue that durable progress will require simpler laws, fewer exemptions, credible dispute resolution and a shift towards a partnership-based tax culture. Whether reform ambitions can translate into lasting institutional change remains one of Bangladesh’s most critical fiscal questions heading into 2026

The government has reduced customs duty on the import of dates by 40 percent ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, aiming to ensure adequate supply and keep prices within the purchasing capacity of general consumers. In a press release issued on Wednesday, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) said the existing customs duty on date imports has been lowered from 25 percent to 15 percent. The government issued a gazette notification on December 23, 2025 to this effect and it which will remain effective until March 31, 2026. The NBR noted that the decision has been taken to maintain market stability and prevent an unusual surge in prices during Ramadan, when demand for dates rises significantly as they are traditionally consumed to break the fast. In addition to the duty reduction, the NBR highlighted that amendments were made in the last budget to the provisions related to advance income tax (AIT) at the import stage. NBR chief calls for expanded VAT registration to cut reliance on imports Under the revised rules, the AIT applicable to the import of all fruits, including dates, has been reduced from 10 percent to 5 percent. Moreover, the 50 percent concession on advance income tax for date and fruit imports, which was introduced last year, has been retained for the current year as well, the revenue authority said.