BSS
  28 Jun 2025, 17:19
Update : 28 Jun 2025, 20:03

Business leaders hail overall reforms, modernization of NBR

DHAKA, June 28, 2025 (BSS) - Country's business leaders have expressed their 
support to the overall reforms and modernization of the National Board of 
Revenue (NBR) in a bid to build a skilled and harassment free revenue board 
in the country.

"This is expected to play a positive role in boosting export earnings and 
revenue collection through providing necessary support in domestic business 
alongside import and export operations," said Bangladesh Chamber of 
Industries (BCI) President Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez at a press 
conference in a city hotel today.

The press conference was convened on the overall situation at the revenue 
board centering the promulgation of the ordinance on May 12.

The business leaders also urged the interim government to resolve the issue 
through discussions.

The press conference was attended by top business leaders of the country 
including President of the International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh(ICCB) 
Mahbubur Rahman, President of the Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers and 
Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB)Syed Nasim Manzur, President of 
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Mahmud 
Hasan Khan Babu, former President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of 
Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Mir Nasir Hossain, President of the 
Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) Kamran T Rahman, 
President of Bangladesh Garment Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and 
Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) Md Shahriar and President of Bangladesh 
Textile Mills Association (BTMA) Showkat Aziz Russell.

In a written statement, Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez said it is needed that 
the concerned ministries and divisions of the government-- the Ministry of 
Finance, Ministry of Commerce and the Bangladesh Investment Development 
Authority-- sit in discussion with the protesting officials and employees of 
the revenue board under the leadership of the Chief Adviser's Office to 
resolve the issue.

He also called upon the protesting officials to return to work without any 
precondition for the sake of the country's economy.

Parvez cited that due to the ongoing movement by the revenue board staff, the 
import and export operations are being hampered leading to extended lead time 
and increased 'cost of doing business'.

The BCI President mentioned that the movement by the revenue board officials 
and employees would create an 'image crisis,' among the buyers which would 
ultimately put a negative impact on earning foreign currencies or economic 
development.

Mahbubur Rahman said interaction between the government and the private 
sector is extremely important in any country. "We call all parties to sit 
together and resolve the issue," he added.

Syed Nasim Manzur said the business community has always wanted such NBR 
which would be time befitting, honest and would facilitate the ease of doing 
business. "The reforms at NBR should have to take place," he added.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu said they want a solution to the issue 
alongside reforms at the NBR.

Replying to a question, the BCI President Parvez said the business community 
can take initiative, if necessary, to bridge the gap between both the 
government and the agitating NBR staff.