United News of Bangladesh

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 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.

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) has extended the value-added tax (VAT) exemption on Metro Rail services until June 30, 2026, aiming to promote the use of the environment-friendly mass transit system. According to an official release issued on Wednesday (December 24, 2025), the government earlier granted a VAT exemption on Metro Rail services. The existing exemption is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2025. Read more: Nagad brings metro rail card recharge facility for commuters In the greater public interest and following a recommendation from the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, the government decided to continue the VAT waiver for a further six months. A gazette notification to this effect was issued on December 23, 2025, extending the exemption up to June 30, 2026. The move is expected to help keep Metro Rail fares affordable for city dwellers while encouraging a shift from private vehicles to mass transit, thereby reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions in the capital. Read more: Online recharge system launched for metro rail rapid, MRT Pass

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has frozen the bank accounts of Faisal Karim Masud, who is suspected of attacking Sharif Osman Hadi. Hadi is the spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and a probable independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency. Read more: CID freezes Tk 3.28 crore of former Sirajganj-1 MP Shakil, his family Besides, the bank accounts of Masud’s IT firm, Apple Soft IT Limited, have also been frozen. An NBR source confirmed that letters instructing all banks to freeze the accounts of Faisal Karim Masud and his organisation were issued on Sunday morning. Masud is also a member of the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS). Read more: What we know about at least one of Hadi's would-be assassins

The Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has uncovered assets worth an estimated Tk 40,000 crore laundered from Bangladesh to various countries around the world, officials said on Sunday. CIC Director General Ahsan Habib shared the information with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus during a briefing at the State Guest House Jamuna. NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan was also present. Ahsan  said the findings are the result of extensive searches conducted in seven cities across five countries since January this year. “So far, we have identified 346 properties overseas that were built using laundered money, registered in the names of individuals and organisations. This is only a partial picture of the full extent of the operation,” he said. In addition to the assets, CIC investigations found that 352 passports had been acquired by Bangladeshi nationals in exchange for money in nine countries. The countries are Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, North Macedonia, Malta, Saint Lucia, and Turkey. CIC officers travelled abroad following extensive preparatory work and intelligence gathering in Bangladesh. “What we have found so far is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Habib. He mentioned several international organisations are cooperating with Bangladesh to aid in the investigation and recovery process. He added that CIC is now working to confiscate these assets and bring them under the ownership of Bangladesh. Legal action is also being pursued against the individuals and entities involved. ‘Zero tax returns’ illegal, may invite imprisonment: NBR Habib further disclosed that during the tenure of Sheikh Hasina, people involved in laundering money had strategically placed their own people within the Central Bank's Core Banking System (CBS) control process to erase key information. However, he said the CIC has now developed the capability to recover deleted data. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said appropriate measures must be taken in collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and other relevant agencies to identify those involved. He said such an example should be set so that no one dares to loot the nation’s wealth in the future. Prof Yunus instructed the CIC to expand its investigation into additional countries and assured full government support for the recovery of assets and prosecution of offenders. Terming this looting of the country's economic sector as a terrible act of treason, the chief Adviser said, "If we want to build a beautiful country for future generations, these looters must be brought to justice." He said all relevant organisations must work together to expose how some people have looted the country's resources.

Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) Md Abdur Rahman Khan on Saturday said it is difficult to establish good governance in tax management if political will is not reflected properly. “Due to the political will of the current government, decision-making in establishing good governance in tax administration is becoming easier,” he said while speaking at a programme organised by a shadow parliament on tax management reforms at FDC in the capital. The NBR chairman said more tax exemptions are being given than the amount of tax collected. “We have taken the initiative to amend the tax laws.” In this connection, he mentioned that the government will no longer be able to grant tax exemptions at its own choice. “In the national interest, only Parliament can consider the issue of tax exemption through a finance bill,” the NBR chief said. He also acknowledged a collective failure to curb under-invoicing and over-invoicing in import and export activities. NBR Chairman seeks to create business-friendly tax regime “In the current era, the price of a product in any part of the world can be known at the touch of a button.Banks and customs can be sure about the price by checking and verifying this issue while opening a letter of credit,” he said. Abdur Rahman said mispricing in import-export harms compliant businesses and genuine taxpayers, with corruption remaining a major obstacle in the tax system. “Corruption in the tax system can be prevented only by establishing accountability and good governance,” he added. He also said there is no tax education in Bangladesh. Only a couple of subjects are included in higher education. Considering the importance of tax education, it is necessary to include tax in every field of primary, secondary and higher education. Organised by Debate for Democracy, the competition was presided over by its Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron.

National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan on Tuesday underscored the need for boosting revenue collection and enhancing operational efficiency across customs activities. He emphasized faster cargo clearance under risk management, strengthening enforcement, expanding automation, ensuring compliance with import policy orders, reducing legal disputes, and intensifying arrear recovery efforts. He made the remarks during a view-exchange meeting with officials and employees of Customs House, Mongla; Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate, Khulna; Tax Zone, Khulna; and Customs and Income Tax Sub-Division, as well as with C&F agents and journalists. The NBR chairman highlighted the urgent need to expand the number of registered income tax and VAT payers. He called for stricter monitoring of both compliant and non-compliant taxpayers, urging a shift in focus from mere revenue growth to broadening the tax base. He suggested adopting long-term (5-6 year) strategic plans to significantly increase the number of registered taxpayers. Identifying zero-return filers who are not actual taxpayers should also be prioritized, he said. Khan directed all relevant offices to expedite the implementation of ongoing projects related to income tax, VAT, and customs. He also stressed the importance of conducting timely annual audits to avoid prolonged review periods that could harm businesses. Addressing infrastructure gaps, the NBR chairman assured officials that a permanent office for Customs House, Mongla would be established soon. He also committed to improving housing facilities for customs officials and staff. NBR, BAERA sign MoU to boost trade through Bangladesh Single Window system In response to the vehicle shortage raised by officials of the Khulna Customs, Excise, and VAT Commissionerate, he promised to arrange additional vehicles through purchase or lease. He further pledged that a centralized licensing system would soon replace the existing reference-based licensing for C&F agents, shipping agents, and freight forwarders. To improve inter-agency coordination, the Chairman instructed full integration of the Automated Risk Management System (ARMS), Bangladesh Single Window (BSW), and Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) into customs operations. He also directed the submission of a comprehensive list of products sent to institutions such as BUET and KUET for chemical testing and quality verification to the NBR Member (Customs: Policy). Highlighting the critical role of the revenue department in national economic stability, Khan warned that any disruption in revenue functions could severely impact the country. He placed special emphasis on enhancing the operational efficiency of Mongla Customs House and urged all stakeholders—including importers, exporters, C&F agents, port authorities, and customs officials—to prioritize national interest, avoid rumors, and work in unison to ensure smooth revenue collection. Khan expressed satisfaction with the overall performance of Mongla Customs House and reiterated that improved efficiency is essential to keep pace with global standards. Earlier, the NBR chairman visited Customs House, Mongla, where he expressed deep condolences over the recent crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft near Milestone School and College in Dhaka. He inspected various operational areas, including the container yard, port car storage yard, and the vehicle storage yard prepared for auction, and held discussions with staff on workflow improvements.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has selected 15,494 income tax cases for audit through random selection method sensing tax evasion. In order to ensure complete transparency in the method of selecting income tax returns for audit, the NBR has started the process of selecting income tax returns for audit in a fully-automated manner based on Risk Based Audit Selection Criterion, acaccording to an NBR media release. To complete this process, the media release says, more time is needed to enter the complete information of all paper returns filed offline in the database. In order to keep the audit activities moving, 0.5% of the returns of each circle filed for the tax year 2023-24 have been selected for audit by the National Board of Revenue through Random Selection method in a digital manner until a fully automated method is implemented based on Risk Based Audit Selection Criterion. In order to prevent the same taxpayer's income tax return from being selected for audit repeatedly, the income tax returns of all taxpayers whose income tax returns were selected for audit in the previous two years have been excluded from the random selection for the 2023-24 tax year. NBR chief orders action against TIN holders evading tax or skipping return filings In this method, a total of 15,494 taxpayers from all tax commissionerates across the country have been selected for the 2023-24 tax year income tax return audit. Although transparency and impartiality can be ensured in the Random Selection method, some uncertainty remains about the desired results, the NBR said in its media release. The NBR claims that it is committed to selecting income tax returns for audit in a fully-automated manner based on the risk based audit selection criterion by completing the entry into the database of all paper returns filed offline as soon as possible. If this work can be fully implemented, it will be possible to collect the desired amount of revenue by ensuring complete transparency, impartiality and effectiveness of the income tax return audit selection process, the media release added.