FICCI joined the National Board of Revenue’s (NBR) pre-budget consultation, presenting a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at building a more transparent, predictable, and investor-friendly tax system in Bangladesh today. Representing some of the country’s largest foreign investors, FICCI underscored that a rational and efficient tax framework is critical to sustaining investment, driving economic growth, and strengthening revenue mobilization.
The meeting was chaired by NBR Chairman Mr. Md. Abdur Rahman Khan and attended by FICCI President Ms. Rupali Chowdhury, Vice President Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhury, Board Members Mr. Ziad Shatara, Ms. Rubaba Dowla, Mr. Uegaki Hiroshi, Mr. Shams Zaman, Executive Director Mr. T.I.M. Nurul Kabir, as well as senior officials from FICCI member companies and NBR. FICCI Budget Consultant Mr. Snehasish Barua delivered the formal presentation.
FICCI highlighted that high withholding tax rates and broad expense disallowances are inflating the effective tax burden well beyond statutory levels. Chamber urged rationalization of withholding tax rates & alignment with actual liabilities to prevent cascading taxation. For individuals, FICCI proposed raising the tax-free threshold and restructuring lower tax slabs to ease the burden on salaried and middle-income groups, thereby stimulating consumption and economic activity. Concerns were also raised over the denial of legitimate VAT input credits due to restrictive interpretations and administrative inconsistencies, which create working capital pressures for compliant businesses. FICCI called for a simplified VAT credit system aligned with intent of the law and suggested exempting IAS/IFRS-compliant VAT-registered entities from filing Mushak-4.3, noting that such entities already maintain audited financial records.
On customs, the Chamber emphasized the need for strict adherence to transaction values under the Valuation Rules 2000 and advocated greater use of provisional assessments with release against bank guarantees to minimize clearance delays. It also recommended simplifying the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme and introducing clear, tangible benefits to encourage wider participation. Looking ahead, FICCI stressed the importance of developing an integrated digital tax system that links income tax, VAT, and customs to improve efficiency, reduce duplication, and enable data-driven enforcement.
Rupali Haque Chowdhury, President of FICCI, said, “Bangladesh stands at a pivotal moment as we prepare for LDC Graduation in November 2026. To realize our full economic potential and remain globally competitive, we need a strategic reform agenda that delivers a standardized, predictable, and automated tax system. A risk-based audit approach will not only ease the burden on compliant taxpayers but also allow authorities to focus more effectively where intervention is needed. “
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