NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan FCMA said the burden of national debt has increased significantly, which is undermining the country’s sustainable development.
He said to adequately fulfill the state’s responsibilities in education, health, and the welfare of underprivileged communities, it is essential to increase revenue income.
Md. Abdur Rahman Khan FCMA, Secretary, Internal Resources Division and Chairman, National Board of Revenue (NBR), Ministry of Finance was addressing a post-budget discussion on the national budget 2025–26 on Saturday, organised by the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) at ICMA Bhaban, Nilkhet, Dhaka.
Rahman Khan noted that while the revenue collection target is set at 13% of GDP, actual collection stands at only 8%, leaving a 5% shortfall that is being met through borrowing. Servicing this debt, he cautioned, poses serious long-term risks to financial stability.
Referring to initiatives for creating a taxpayer-friendly environment, Mr. Khan said, “This year, non-profit organizations and certain government institutions have been exempted from the obligation to file returns.
However, simply reducing tax rates will not increase revenue collection; changes are needed both in taxpayer mindset and administrative efficiency.”
The Special Guests at the event were A K M Badiul Alam, Member (Tax Policy), NBR, and Mr. Md. Azizur Rahman, Member (VAT Policy), NBR. They discussed various reforms in tax and VAT policies, along with strategies for their effective implementation.
The session was presided over by Mahtab Uddin Ahmed FCMA, President of ICMAB, who emphasized the importance of closer professional collaboration between NBR and ICMAB in ensuring successful budget execution.
At the outset, Mohammed Salim FCMA, Chairman of the Seminar and Conference Committee & Past President of ICMAB, delivered the welcome address.
The technical presentations were delivered by Md. Saifur Rahman FCMA, Principal & CEO of Saifur Enayet & Associates, and Md. Mashiur Rahaman ACMA, First Secretary (VAT Supervision and Taxpayer Services), NBR.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Hasnain Thoufiq Ahmed FCMA, Secretary, ICMAB.
