Amidst global economic uncertainties, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the apex trade body, has called for ensuring policy continuity in the national budget for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to sustain business expansion and investor confidence.
The call was made during a pre-budget discussion organized with its member organizations at the FBCCI office in Motijheel on Thursday, according to a press release.
FBCCI Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan presided over the meeting.
Business leaders proposed rationalizing interest rates, increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio, fully implementing a one-stop service, modernising port and logistics management, and ensuring uninterrupted power and energy supply in the budget.
Recommendations were also put forward regarding the development of priority sectors for export diversification, establishing a central bonded warehouse, and enacting stakeholder-based laws.
Participating in the discussion, business leaders suggested expanding the tax net to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio.
They simultaneously called upon the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to be more proactive in strengthening transparency and accountability through the implementation of automation and integration in tax policy, tax procedures, and revenue management.
FBCCI Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan stated that the government has set a target to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio to 15 percent.
He said, “Increasing revenue collection does not mean increasing the tax burden on businessmen. Revenue will be increased by expanding the tax net.”
He also informed that the recommendations emerging from the private sector will be presented at the 46th meeting of the NBR’s Consultative Committee.
Earlier, in his welcome speech, FBCCI Secretary General Md. Alamgir said that with the global economy unstable, the energy market volatile, and investment prospects uncertain, formulating this year’s budget is going to be challenging for the new government.
He urged the business community to assist the government with rational proposals.
Present at the meeting were former NBR member and FBCCI Budget Expert Committee member Md Farid Uddin, Aminur Rahman, along with former directors of the organisation, leaders from various chambers and associations, and FBCCI officials.
