United News of Bangladesh

National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan on Tuesday (December 09, 2025) said the revenue authority is developing an automated system that will integrate taxpayers’ annual return submission with banks. It will ease eliminate the need for individuals to collect multiple bank certificates from different branches, he said at a “Meet the Press” event held at the conference room of the Revenue Building in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on the eve of VAT Day and VAT Week. The NBR chief explained that the system will automatically retrieve essential information from banks once a taxpayer enters their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and National Identity Number (NID). This information includes the balance as of 30th June, the total profit earned throughout the year, the tax deducted at source on that profit, and the charges imposed by banks over the same period, he added. Read more: Over 2 million taxpayers file returns online in 5 months: NBR He said taxpayers who maintain several bank accounts currently have to visit each bank individually to collect these certificates, a process that often results in mistakes and creates undue hassle. “By automating the retrieval of this information, taxpayers will no longer need to run from one bank to another and inconsistencies in their submitted figures will be avoided,”he added. The NBR chairman said the system has been widely misunderstood and clarified that the revenue authority will not gain access to taxpayers’ personal or transactional information. He said that only the taxpayer will be able to view the automatically generated bank data while submitting their returns, and no tax official will have access to it. He further noted that no transaction-level information will be collected through this system. Read more: Income tax return submission deadline extended by one month Any request for detailed bank transactions will continue only under the existing legal framework during investigations backed by credible intelligence, which is a separate process entirely, he added. Khan said this new mechanism will prevent unnecessary complications such as reopening files due to discrepancies in bank-related declarations. He added that the initiative is progressing well although it could not be introduced this year. He expressed optimism that the system would be in place before next year, after strengthening NBR’s in-house IT workforce to connect securely with the digital systems of all banks. He called upon the media to help dispel misunderstandings and build public trust in the initiative, saying that their support is crucial in ensuring accurate communication. Read more: Railway exempted from submitting proof of income tax return filing He said greater transparency and efficiency would naturally boost tax collection once the system is implemented. The NBR chairman reaffirmed that the goal is to simplify the return-filing process, reduce the burden on taxpayers, and move towards a more modern and automated tax administration that supports the country’s development objectives.

A 50-year-old woman was killed and three others were injured when a microbus crashed into an auto-rickshaw on Dhaka-Mawa Expressway at Ompara in Sreenagar upazila of Munshiganj district on Tuesday. The deceased was identified as Zobaida Begum, wife of Ekhlas Uddin of Baroikhali Shibrampur area. The accident occurred around 9:34 am at Omapara Bottola area when a Dhaka-bound microbus hit the Shrinagar-bound auto-rickshaw, leaving one killed on the spot and three others injured, said Sreenagar Fire Service Station officer Dewan Azad Hossain. On information, fire service men rushed to the spot and took the victims—Ashuda Begum, 54, Abdur Mahim, 30 and Mahsin to Sreenagar Upazila Health Complex. Later, they were referred to Dhaka for better treatment. Police could not arrest anyone as the driver of the microbus managed to flee the scene.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is observing VAT Day on Tuesday and VAT Week from December 10-15, underscoring the importance of timely VAT registration under this year’s theme, “Register on Time, Pay VAT Accurately.” To strengthen the campaign, the revenue authority is launching a nationwide special VAT registration drive from December 10-31, targeting the inclusion of around 100,000 new businesses under the VAT net. At present, Bangladesh has 6.44 lakh VAT-registered entities. According to NBR figures, VAT contributed 38 percent of the authority’s total revenue collection in the last fiscal year. During the first five months of the current fiscal year, VAT receipts grew by 22 percent compared with the same period a year earlier, the NBR said in a press release. Officials noted that improved VAT administration and expanded automation would help sustain this positive trend and further strengthen the country’s fiscal foundation. The NBR stressed that taxes paid by citizens are vital to national development. Revenue collected through VAT finances the Annual Development Programme (ADP) and supports key sectors including education, healthcare, road and rail infrastructure, debt servicing, social protection, agriculture, and subsidies in the power and industrial sectors. Despite recent gains, several challenges continue to hamper VAT collection. These include unregistered businesses, limited automation, weak enforcement of the input tax credit chain, excessive exemptions, manual audit processes, and difficulties in collecting VAT from e-commerce and digital platforms. To address these gaps, the NBR has expanded digital services such as online VAT registration, online return submission, e-payment, e-refund, e-audit, and e-invoicing. It has also introduced a risk-based audit system to curb evasion. In addition, the VAT Smart Invoice system has been rolled out to enhance transparency and compliance. Reiterating its commitment to ensuring voluntary compliance and reducing tax evasion, the NBR said a modern and efficient VAT system is essential to achieving the country’s vision of a developed and prosperous Bangladesh. The authority called for active cooperation from consumers, businesses, industry owners, and the media to strengthen VAT administration and uphold fiscal discipline.    

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday (December 09, 2025) distributed the Begum Rokeya Padak 2025 among four distinguished women in recognition of their contributions to women’s education and rights, human rights and women’s awakening. The Chief Adviser handed over the awards at a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium. Calling for building a new Bangladesh with women at the forefront, Prof Yunus said that young women have demonstrated remarkable leadership during the Mass Uprising and must continue to be elevated to higher roles. “Let our new Bangladesh be built by keeping women in the forefront. Today’s women represent a post–Mass Uprising generation, an entirely different women’s society. The journey of a new Bangladesh has begun with their hands. This women’s society will inspire not only women, but everyone,” he said. Prof Yunus noted that Begum Rokeya clearly articulated in her speeches and writings the ideals she envisioned for women. “This is not just another award; this is a groundbreaking award. These women have taken us to another level in the eyes of the world. They are not only the daughters of Bangladesh - they are leaders of the entire world,” he added. Read more: Prof Yunus honoured at Theirworld’s annual Global Education Dinner The Chief Adviser said, “Even after 100 years, we have not been able to create another Rokeya. This is our misfortune. We have not been able to implement the directions and dreams she laid out. We have talked about them, but we have not moved forward. We must find out why.” He also reflected on the difficult struggles women face, recalling his time teaching at Chittagong University and the early days of establishing Grameen Bank during the famine of 1974. “The famine affected women and children first,” he said. Prof Yunus emphasized that Begum Rokeya never worked in isolation. “She always acted with society in mind. A hundred years ago, Rokeya urged us to teach women and girls to earn their living. Why can’t we learn from that? We keep organizing, yet we fail to learn. Only if Rokeya’s ideals guide our daily lives can we truly move forward.” The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs organised the programme, marking Begum Rokeya Day 2025, in observance of the 145th birth anniversary and the 93rd death anniversary of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, a pioneering advocate of women’s rights and education. Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S. Murshid chaired the event, attended by advisers of the interim government, distinguished personalities and family members of the awardees. Senior Secretary Mamtaz Ahmed of the Ministry delivered the welcome address. A cultural programme, including the screening of a documentary titled ‘Ami-e Rokeya’, highlighted Begum Rokeya’s contributions to advancing women’s education and combating child marriage. The event also showcased Begum Rokeya’s enduring influence in inspiring women and underscored the progress of women’s empowerment in the country, emphasising education as a key driver in establishing women’s rights. Read More: Charting a path towards building equal society; strengthening democracy: Prof Yunus Dr Rubhana Rakib, a physician, received the award in the category of women’s education (research), while Kalpana Akter, a labour leader, was honoured in the category of women’s rights (labour). Dr Nabila Idris, a rights activist, received the award in the category of human rights, and Ritu Porna Chakma, a member of the Bangladesh Women’s National Football Team, was recognised in the category of women’s awakening (sports).

Begum Rokeya Day is being observed on Tuesday to commemorate the life and contributions of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, a trailblazer in the fight for women’s rights and education in the Indian subcontinent. Born on December 9, 1880, at Pairaband village of Rangpur, Begum Rokeya passed away on the same date in 1932. Women and Children Affairs Ministry, Begum Rokeya Foundation, and various socio-cultural and political organisations have arranged elaborate programmes to mark the day Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus issued a message paying tribute to Begum Rokeya.  “Through her extensive social movement for women’s emancipation and human rights, Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain led women from darkness to light. Her remarkable contributions to establishing the women of this region in their rightful place in society will always be remembered with respect by the nation. On this occasion of Begum Rokeya Day, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the memory of this great woman,” he said. In the conservative society of the 19th century, education was the key to the upliftment of disadvantaged women and recognising this, Begum Rokeya played a courageous and pioneering role in expanding women’s education, the Chief Adviser said. Following the path she began for women’s development, the interim government continues to work towards women’s empowerment, he added.  

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has reconstituted the Ad Hoc Managing Board of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) through a circular issued on Sunday. Global health expert Dr Halida Hanum Akhter has been appointed Chairperson, said a media statement on Monday. Dr Tasnim Azim, Associate Professor at the James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, has been named Vice-Chairperson, while former Additional Secretary Md Rezaul Karim will serve as Treasurer. The seven-member Board also includes former Additional Secretary Md Afzalur Rahman; Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr Md Nasir Uddin Ahmed; Barrister Tanim Hussain Shawon; and public health specialist Dr Arefin Amal Islam. The Ad Hoc Managing Board will serve for a three-month term from the date of issuance of the circular. Its primary mandate is to oversee BDRCS operations and complete the election process for forming a regular Managing Board.

A two-day international symposium titled “Quality Assurance through Accreditation in Engineering Education” kicked off in Dhaka on Monday, aiming to elevate the standard of engineering education in Bangladesh to global levels. The 4th edition of the symposium, jointly organised by the Board of Accreditation for Engineering and Technical Education (BAETE) and the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), was inaugurated at 9am at the Grand Ballroom of the InterContinental Dhaka. The programme began with a welcome speech by BAETE Vice Chairman Prof Dr S. Reza Chowdhury, who highlighted the vital role of accreditation in ensuring internationally benchmarked education. “Accreditation is indispensable for global quality assurance. Through continuous improvement, institutional collaboration, and international partnerships, we can further strengthen the standard of engineering education in Bangladesh,” he said. Adviser to the Ministry of Industries and the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Adilur Rahman Khan, attended the ceremony as chief guest. “Ensuring the quality of engineering education is a key prerequisite for sustainable development. Such international events will play a crucial role in making our education system aligned with global standards,” he said. Guests from home and abroad joined the symposium, including Prof Kai Sang Lock, Chair of the Washington Accord;  Daniela Iacona, Deputy Chair of the Sydney Accord and Director of International Engagement & Governance at ABET; and IEB President Engr Mohammad Rezaul Islam. Prof Kai Sang Lock noted that Bangladesh’s attainment of full signatory status in the Accord framework means accredited Bangladeshi engineering degrees will enjoy international recognition. “However, it is essential to maintain consistent quality to uphold this recognition. Only by ensuring high-quality education can Bangladeshi engineers compete successfully on the global stage,” he added. Daniela Iacona said, “International recognition plays a vital role in ensuring educational quality. Bangladesh’s efforts will bring long-term benefits for future generations.” IEB President Engr Mohammad Rezaul Islam emphasised the institution’s longstanding commitment to improving engineering education in the country. “This international symposium will further strengthen our ongoing efforts,” he said. The opening ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from BAETE Chairman Prof Dr Tanvir Manzur. “The core objective of this symposium is to ensure globally recognised engineering education. It will serve as an effective platform toward achieving that goal,” he said. According to organisers, the event will feature technical sessions, panel discussions, research presentations and knowledge-sharing segments with participation from national and international experts. They expressed hope that the symposium will reinforce Bangladesh’s global standing in engineering education and pave the way for enhanced quality assurance across the sector.

The Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Monday drew a strong comparison between the current economic management team assembled by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and the teams that steered Bangladesh’s reforms during the administrations of President Ziaur Rahman (from 1977 onward) and Begum Khaleda Zia (1991–1996). Speaking at a seminar marking the release of two key publications — “Bangladesh State of the Economy 2025” and “Sustainable Development Goals: Bangladesh Progress Report 2025” — at the NEC Conference Room of the Planning Commission at Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, Alam said the present economic team may in fact surpass those historical benchmarks. “I would say that the economic management team Professor Yunus has assembled is perhaps one of the finest Bangladesh has ever had,” the Press Secretary remarked. “I do not know whether the team of Khaleda Zia from 1991–96, or even the team under President Ziaur Rahman from 1977 onward, was stronger. In my view, this team may actually be better.” But the Press Secretary did not say anything about the BNP-Jamaat alliance government's 2001-2006 tenure. He said that while the present government has undertaken major reforms and stabilisation measures, it still faces “mixed messaging” and a lack of adequate support from segments of the business community, especially at a time when the administration is trying to modernise core economic infrastructure such as the Chattogram Port. Alam pointed out that the sectors that would benefit the most from port efficiency — particularly readymade garments — have not extended clear public support. “If the Chattogram Port becomes efficient, the garment sector benefits first. Yet we have not seen a single welcoming statement from BGMEA or BTMA,” he said, underscoring what he described as a reluctance among business associations to align with policy reforms that reduce logistics delays and financial losses. He criticised certain business leaders for what he called “motivated narratives” that misrepresent the state of the economy and overlook the administration’s achievements. Referring to recent comments from a major business association leader, Alam noted, “Somebody who never did business 40 years ago, and who today exports US$700 million, now claims this is the worst time for business in 40 years. Such statements have no meaningful basis.” He argued that these selective interpretations of data have clouded public understanding of economic realities. “We have consistently seen cherry-picking of data over the last 16 months,” he said, adding that achievements have often been ignored while isolated negative indicators are amplified in the media. Shakib shouldn't have run for AL; its leaders have blood on hands: Press Secy On poverty data, Alam reiterated that recent debates were framed in a misleading manner, attributing sudden increases in poverty rates solely to the current administration. He cited the World Bank’s assessment that poverty fell to around 21 percent by June and is projected to decline further. “Yet the framing was as if poverty jumped from 20 percent to 28 percent during this government — an entirely distorted picture,” he said. The Press Secretary also stressed that misrepresentation of issues such as gas supply shortages and port efficiency is undermining constructive economic debate. “Professor Yunus and his administration want a healthy national debate. But some voices amplified in newspapers and TV are not presenting the real picture,” he said. Alam emphasised that creating jobs remains the central economic priority, and that global investors repeatedly underscore the necessity of modernising the Chattogram Port for Bangladesh to become a competitive manufacturing hub. “Every country that has grown did this. Yet the debate here has been hijacked by tiny groups being amplified far beyond their actual relevance,” he added. He said that despite these challenges, the economic turnaround achieved within a short time under Professor Yunus’s leadership is “historic”, particularly given the extraordinary national transition of the past year. “I am certain history will treat this government fairly,” he said. “When people look back, they will recognise how Professor Yunus took over at an extraordinary moment and put the economy back on a path of growth.”    

National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan on Monday said Bangladesh has already slipped into a form of debt trap, and the nation must confront this uncomfortable truth if it wants to restore stability. “despite wide-ranging debates on growth, inflation and economic management, the core challenge remains unchanged: Bangladesh must significantly increase domestic revenue to reduce its dependence on borrowing,” he said. He was Speaking at a seminar on the Bangladesh State of the Economy 2025 and the Sustainable Development Goals: Bangladesh Progress Report 2025 as the chief guest at the NEC Conference Room in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area. The event was organised by the General Economics Division (GED) of the Planning Commission in collaboration with UNICEF Bangladesh. The NBR chief said all indicators point to the same conclusion. “We have already gone into a long-term debt trajectory. The sooner we accept this reality, the sooner we can move forward,” he said. He noted that although revenue collection has expanded from Tk 168 crore in 1972 to Tk 3.78 lakh crore in the last fiscal year, the amount remains far below what the economy requires to operate without leaning on external financing. Khan expressed concern over the continuous decline in the tax-GDP ratio, which has dropped from above 10 percent a few years ago to just around seven percent at present. He described the trend as dangerous for an economy already struggling with limited fiscal space. He pointed out that even Uganda, often mentioned humorously in discussions, maintains a tax-GDP ratio of around 12.5 percent. According to him, Bangladesh’s deteriorating ratio reflects both structural problems in GDP measurement and large portions of economic activity that remain outside the tax net. The NBR chairman acknowledged that long-standing tax exemptions and distortions—especially in the VAT system—have weakened domestic mobilisation and pushed the country deeper into debt dependence. He noted that despite the intention of VAT being a consumer-borne tax, business groups have continued to demand exemptions, contributing to widespread distortions and revenue losses.  “Traders are simply collectors on behalf of the state. VAT is paid by the final consumer. But we have failed to make this understood,” he said. He warned that Bangladesh’s reliance on import duties for revenue is unsustainable, particularly in view of upcoming LDC graduation, when preferential duties will decline. This means the country must shift its focus to income tax and a clean, distortion-free VAT system. He suggested that Bangladesh may even need a completely new VAT law to ensure fair, uniform and efficient implementation. Khan further said that the weakness in revenue mobilisation has already forced Bangladesh into heavier borrowing, deepening concerns about a debt trap. Reduced development spending, stagnating imports, stress in the banking sector and leakage across tax streams have all contributed to falling tax intake. These weaknesses, he said, increase the government’s reliance on debt to finance essential operations. The NBR chief highlighted ongoing efforts to reverse the trend, including stricter enforcement in areas where revenue losses are high, expanded digitalisation across tax systems, automated audit selection and refund processes, and measures to discourage excessive cash transactions. He emphasised that digitalisation — both within NBR and across government systems — is essential for transparency and accountability, and for closing the loopholes that perpetuate revenue leakage. He also said that NBR will no longer issue tax exemptions on its own, as all exemptions will now require parliamentary approval under the newly adopted tax expenditure policy. NBR uncovers Tk 9 crore revenue evasion by United Tobacco  According to him, this approach will help bring discipline and reduce arbitrary tax waivers that have narrowed the revenue base. Khan confirmed that the process of separating tax policy from tax administration is nearing completion, and that two independent divisions headed by separate secretaries will soon be in operation. He said the reform is expected to bring fairness, reduce distortions and support sustainable revenue growth. Reiterating that debt pressures are already constraining the economy, Khan said Bangladesh must act decisively. “We cannot move forward by denying the truth. Our only remedy now is to strengthen domestic revenue, eliminate distortions, and restore discipline in the tax system.”  

A new study has found that 23 percent of children in Bangladesh face severe risks on online platforms, with Facebook identified as the most unsafe space for young users. The findings were revealed at a national workshop on Monday in Dhaka, focusing on preventing the online sexual exploitation of children, including those with disabilities. The research, titled Prevention of online sexual exploitation of children and children with disabilities in Bangladesh, shows that 8 percent of children face partial risks online, while 69 per cent remain only partially safe. Alarmingly, 77 per cent of children using Facebook are exposed to significant risks, followed by Instagram at 15 per cent, with other social media platforms also proving unsafe. The results were presented by Professor Dr. Md Ahsan Habib of Dhaka University at the workshop organised by Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH-NL). The function was chaired by TdH-NL Programme Coordinator Nurul Kabir. Senior officials, including Department of Social Services Director General Md Saidur Rahman Khan, DMP Deputy Commissioner (Women Support and Investigation) Farhana Yasmin, disability expert Shah Moazzem Hossain, Blind Education and Rehabilitation Development Organisation Executive Director Md Saidul Haque, and Access Bangladesh Foundation Chairperson Mohua Pal, also addressed the workshop. Professor Habib warned that rapid digital expansion—from urban centres to rural areas—has increased opportunities as well as various forms of online risks, particularly sexual harassment. Children are the most affected, he said, stressing the need for inclusive education, specialised teacher training and accessible justice systems to ensure safer online experiences. “No single initiative can solve this problem,” he added, urging greater inclusion of children with disabilities in online safety laws and policies. He called for coordinated action among disability programmes, digital literacy initiatives and child protection workers, as well as stronger advocacy to challenge stigma and push for community and policy-level change. Department of Social Services DG Saidur Rahman Khan noted that children remain vulnerable to both physical and psychological abuse, including visible and invisible dangers on the internet. He emphasised community participation and coordinated government–non-government efforts to ensure children’s well-being. He also said that a National Platform for Child Protection has already been formed to strengthen collaboration. In his concluding remarks, TdH-NL’s Nurul Kabir highlighted that children with disabilities remain among the most marginalised groups globally. While around 16 per cent of the world’s population lives with disabilities, Bangladesh’s official estimate is only 2.8 per cent—reflecting longstanding underreporting and persistent social stigma. Cultural and religious attitudes often limit access to education, mobility and equal participation, making life even more challenging for children.