The Institute of Chartered Secretaries of Bangladesh (ICSB) organised a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme on Finance Act 2026 on 14 July 2026 through the online Zoom platform, focusing on the latest tax, VAT, customs and corporate compliance provisions introduced under the legislation.
The session was chaired by Mohammad Sanaullah FCS, Past President of ICSB and Chairman of the Professional Development Committee, while ICSB President Hossain Sadat FCS attended the programme. The keynote paper was presented by Sorwar Alam FCS, Head of Accounts and Taxation at ismartu Technology BD Limited, according to a press release.
Hossain Sadat FCS highlighted the importance of continuous professional development amid a rapidly changing taxation and regulatory environment. He said professionals need to remain updated on legislative and fiscal developments to ensure effective compliance and informed decision-making.
Sorwar Alam FCS presented an overview of major amendments introduced through the Finance Act 2026, covering income tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), tax compliance, fiscal incentives and other regulatory changes. He discussed the practical impact of the new provisions on businesses and professionals.
Khandker Abu Jafar Sadique FCS, Company Secretary of Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited, discussed key taxation features of the Finance Act 2026. He stressed the importance of encouraging cashless transactions within organisations to benefit from tax rebates and praised government initiatives promoting digital financial transactions through the new law.
From a VAT and customs perspective, Md Shahedul Amin FCS, Assistant General Manager (Accounts, VAT & Tax) at T K Group of Industries, highlighted several amendments, including changes related to the definitions of labour and services, VAT enlistment procedures, exemptions, the introduction of the VAT Honour Card, revised provisions for foreign contracts, Free Trade Zones and Customs Agent licensing.
Md Shafiqul Alam FCS, Chairman of the Taxation & Fiscal Laws Sub-Committee of ICSB, outlined key changes related to personal income tax, tax rebates, quarterly returns and monthly tax payments. He also said ICSB would continue organising pre-budget and post-budget discussion sessions to enhance members’ professional knowledge.
In his concluding remarks, Mohammad Sanaullah FCS discussed issues including corporate taxation, mandatory dividends, Business Identification Number (BIN), tobacco taxation, investment rebates and the increasing importance of payments through formal banking channels.
He also highlighted five major objectives of the Finance Act 2026: accelerating economic growth, simplifying the tax system, promoting digital tax payments, encouraging investment and innovation, and strengthening tax compliance.
ICSB Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Md Shabbirul Alam Chowdhury attended the programme, which concluded with a vote of thanks from Mohammad Emarot Hossain FCS, Co-Chairman of the Professional Development Committee.
The session was moderated by Israt Jahan Rimi FCS, Member of the Professional Development Committee of ICSB, and ended with an interactive question-and-answer session involving a large number of ICSB members.
