Bangladesh’s revenue shortfall reached Tk1.04 lakh crore in the first 10 months of fiscal year 2025-26, despite overall revenue growth of 10.60 percent during the period, according to the National Board of Revenue (NBR). Revenue collection stood at Tk3,26,928 crore from July to April against a revised target of Tk4,31,461 crore, leaving a deficit of Tk1,04,533 crore, officials said in a press statement.
NBR officials attributed the weak performance to slow economic activity, ambitious revenue targets, and delayed implementation of the Annual Development Programme (ADP). Revenue growth started strong but gradually lost momentum, with April recording only 6.71 percent year-on-year growth, compared to average monthly growth of around 14 percent in previous years.
Customs duty collection reached Tk90,763 crore, Tk25,192 crore below the target of Tk1,15,955 crore, although it posted 8.87 percent year-on-year growth. VAT collection was Tk1,26,543 crore, Tk35,308 crore short of the target, growing 11.1 percent from the previous year. Income tax and travel tax collection stood at Tk1,09,622 crore, Tk44,033 crore below the revised target — the largest deficit among major revenue heads — yet rose 11.59 percent from the prior year.
In April alone, NBR collected Tk39,060 crore against a target of Tk45,609 crore, leaving a shortfall of Tk6,549 crore. Sector-wise, VAT collection fell short by Tk910 crore with a negative growth of 3.17 percent, income and travel tax collected Tk11,118 crore with a Tk3,045 crore deficit, and customs duty collection rose 17.95 percent to Tk10,539 crore.
Economists warned the persistent gap is pressuring government budget management. Former World Bank Dhaka lead economist Zahid Hussain said overly ambitious targets and a broader economic slowdown contributed to the deficit. He noted that slower ADP implementation reduced VAT and other tax receipts, particularly from government agencies and state-owned enterprises.
Hussain added that rising fuel prices and potential revenue gains in the final two months may provide partial relief, but the shortfall is likely to remain above Tk1 lakh crore by year-end.
