The FBCCI, Bangladesh’s top business organisation, has called for an increase in the tax-free income limit for individual taxpayers to Tk500,000, citing rising inflation and the declining real income of low earners.
In addition, the organisation proposed a higher threshold of Tk550,000 for women taxpayers.
Md Abdur Rahim Khan, administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries, said that, considering current inflationary pressures and the financial realities faced by low-income individuals, the tax-free income ceiling should be set at Tk500,000.
He also recommended setting the limit at Tk550,000 for senior citizens and women, along with reducing the maximum tax rate to 25 percent.
This proposal was presented at the 46th meeting of the advisory committee of the National Board of Revenue, held on Wednesday in preparation for the 2026–27 national budget. The meeting was jointly organised by the NBR and FBCCI.
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, and NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan, and leaders from various business associations were present at the event.
Under the current tax structure, the tax-free income threshold stands at Tk350,000 for general taxpayers. For women, the limit is Tk400,000; for persons with disabilities, Tk475,000; and for gazetted freedom fighters, Tk500,000.
