National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan today spoke at the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) in the capital. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, June 14, 2026 (BSS) - National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md 
Abdur Rahman Khan today said the government's key objectives are to build 
trust with taxpayers, simplify the tax system, and expand the tax base 
through full digitalization.

"The current budget has been prepared with priority on public interest and 
maintaining affordability of essential commodities. Various duty and tax 
adjustments have been made to ease pressure on consumers," he said. 

The NBR chief made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar 
titled "Analysis of Finance Bill 2026-27", organised by the Economic 
Reporters Forum (ERF) in the capital.

Acknowledging global economic challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, 
the Russia-Ukraine war, and geopolitical instability in the Middle East, 
Abdur Rahman Khan said the government has taken measures to support 
production, create employment, and improve the ease of doing business.

Highlighting reforms in the value-added tax system, the NBR chief said a 
simplified VAT mechanism is being introduced for small and marginal 
businesses.

"Under the system, small traders will not need to maintain complex accounts 
or undergo detailed audits. They will be able to obtain instant online 
registration and pay a fixed turnover tax," he continued.

He further said the NBR is developing specialized software to facilitate easy 
VAT return submission, similar to the existing e-TIN system for income tax 
registration.

To prevent tax evasion, particularly in the tobacco sector, the chief guest 
said that the NBR will introduce QR code-based verification on cigarette and 
other tobacco product stamps. 

"Consumers will be able to verify tax payment using mobile phones," he added. 

He also said informants providing evidence of tax evasion will be rewarded, 
while offenders will face legal action.

The Chairman stated that about 4.5 million taxpayers currently submit income 
tax returns online, and the NBR plans to bring all company and VAT returns 
fully online from the next fiscal year. 

This will enable data-driven and risk-based auditing, he added.

He further clarified that no decision has been taken to increase taxes on 
savings certificate profits, adding that the new system may facilitate 
automatic tax refunds for small investors.

Regarding export-oriented industries, he said, the NBR has taken steps to 
simplify compliance, including expansion of bond facilities, introduction of 
an inter-commissionerate continuous bond system, simplification of Authorized 
Economic Operator (AEO) procedures, and relaxation of audit requirements for 
compliant firms.

The seminar was chaired by ERF President Doulot Akter Mala and moderated by 
its General Secretary Abul Kashem.