Photo : ICAB

DHAKA, June 13, 2026 (BSS) - The Institute of Chartered Accountants of 
Bangladesh (ICAB) has observed that the proposed national budget for FY27 
reflects the government's commitment to economic stability, enhanced revenue 
mobilization, employment generation, investment expansion, and private sector 
development. 

This observation was made by speakers at a press conference titled "Chartered 
Accountants' Perspectives on the Proposed National Budget 2026-2027," 
organised by ICAB today at CA Bhaban in the Capital.

The speakers noted that the global economy continues to face various risks 
and uncertainties. Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the prolonged impact 
of the Russia-Ukraine war, geopolitical tensions, volatility in international 
energy markets, global inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions, 
sluggish international trade, and other challenges confronting developing 
economies remain significant concerns. 

Despite these challenges, the government has undertaken the ambitious task of 
implementing an overall Annual Development Programme (ADP) of Taka 316,075 
crore, which is expected to contribute positively to Bangladesh's journey 
toward becoming a prosperous nation. 

However, achieving the revenue collection target of Taka 695,000 crore will 
require coordinated efforts and the effective implementation of reform 
initiatives.

The budget deficit financing has been estimated at Taka 243,000 crore, of 
which Taka 112,000 crore is expected to be financed through domestic 
borrowing from the banking sector. 

The speakers observed that this may limit the availability of credit to the 
private sector and potentially hinder private investment.

Speaking at the press conference, ICAB President NKA Mobin stated that the 
government has placed particular emphasis on increasing revenue collection, 
modernizing the tax system, accelerating digital transformation, improving 
the business environment, and adopting investment-friendly policies. 

The ICAB believes that increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio and ensuring greater 
transparency and accountability in the tax system are essential for achieving 
sustainable economic growth.

He further noted that the Document Verification System (DVS) has emerged as 
an important initiative in expanding the tax net and establishing a 
technology-driven tax administration. 

Implemented jointly by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and ICAB, the 
system has significantly contributed to enhancing transparency in tax 
administration, preventing tax evasion, and increasing revenue collection. 

He expressed confidence that DVS will continue to play an even greater role 
in the future and extended sincere thanks to the Ministry of Finance and the 
NBR for their cooperation in implementing this initiative.

NKA Mobin also mentioned that, as in previous years, ICAB had submitted 
detailed recommendations to the NBR regarding the Income Tax Act 2023, the 
Value Added Tax (VAT) and Supplementary Duty Act 2012, the VAT and 
Supplementary Duty Rules 2016, the Customs Act 2023, and other relevant laws 
and regulations. 

The ICAB was also pleased to note that several of its recommendations have 
been reflected in the proposed budget. 

The Institute expects these measures to enhance the efficiency of tax 
administration, facilitate ease of doing business, and improve the investment 
climate. 

ICAB commended the government for introducing several practical and 
realistic initiatives in the proposed budget.

The ICAB President emphasized that Chartered Accountants are key stakeholders 
in the national economy through their contributions in tax advisory services, 
financial reporting, audit and assurance, tax compliance, and strengthening 
investor confidence. 

He also highlighted the profession's important role in attracting foreign 
investment, promoting entrepreneurship, generating employment, facilitating 
business operations, and implementing international standards in the 
financial sector.

He further stated that ICAB has consistently provided constructive opinions 
on various economic, financial, and policy matters in the greater interest of 
the country. 

The Institute believes that through coordinated efforts among 
the Government, the business community, and professionals, Bangladesh's 
economy will become stronger and more sustainable.

The press conference was moderated by Council Member of ICAB and Chairman of 
the Taxation and Corporate Laws Committee MBM Lutful Hades while the closing 
remarks were delivered by ICAB Vice President Md. Moniruzzaman.

The welcome address was delivered by Mostafa Kamal, acting chief executive 
officer of ICAB. 

A presentation on various aspects of the proposed national budget was made by 
Sarker Nahidul Islam, Director - Tax and Advisory Services, Rahman Rahman 
Huq, Chartered Accountants.

Among others present at the event were ICAB Vice President Md. Rokonuzzaman; 
Council Members Md. Mahbubur Rahman; Mohammad Redwanur Rahman;, Md. Yasin 
Miah; Ziaur Rahman Zia, Md. Amran Hossain; and Mohammad Moin Uddin Riad; Past 
President Md. Shahadat Hossain; and Fellow Member Snehasish Barua.