Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the National Board of Revenue (NBR) must be transformed into a more efficient, modern, transparent and people‑friendly institution to ensure sustainable economic development.
He stressed that the main goal of revenue administration should be to build trust and confidence in taxpayers’ minds, not fear of the NBR.
The prime minister said this while addressing the Revenue Conference 2026 at the Bangladesh–China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka on Tuesday.
He also said the country’s tax‑to‑GDP ratio remains low compared to its potential, while the tax base is narrow and a limited number of taxpayers bear most of the burden.
“Repeatedly increasing the tax burden on the same taxpayers is not a sustainable policy,” he said, calling for measures to identify those capable of paying taxes and bring them under the net. “There is no alternative to building a modern, data‑driven tax administration.”
The premier said the government wants to transform the National Board of Revenue (NBR) into a trusted institution where taxpayers feel confident rather than fearful. “After the period of fascism, it is now time for Bangladesh to turn around. People expect the NBR to be reliable and trustworthy,” he added.
He stressed that efficient and sustainable revenue management can earn public confidence. “You must take steps to meet taxpayers’ expectations. The present government wants to transform the NBR and the overall revenue structure into a people‑friendly system,” he said.
“We all need patriotism and sincerity. Let us work together to build a strong revenue system. I wish success to this conference with the expectation of a more prosperous, more investment‑friendly and more business‑friendly revenue management system.”
He noted that revenue collection showed a positive trend between mid‑February and June. “This proves that you can do it. You are the ones who can do it, and you certainly will be able to do it, Insha‑Allah,” he said.
The conference was jointly organised by the Internal Resources Division of the Finance Ministry and the NBR. Officials from income tax, VAT and customs wings presented action plans, while field‑level officers shared experiences and challenges. The Prime Minister listened attentively and gave directives.
He said the success of NBR’s activities is closely linked to the government’s ability to implement development plans. “This is why I do not see today’s conference as ordinary,” he said, expressing hope it would provide direction for greater success.
Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh has inherited a fragile economy and that the revenue administration has been affected by the legacy of the past. Ignoring NBR rules, favouring individuals or groups, hostility and arbitrary practices have raised questions about the institution and eroded public confidence, he said.
He emphasised that a modern tax system should encourage voluntary compliance. Regular taxpayers should be respected, while deliberate evaders must be brought into the system. Tax procedures must be simplified and freed from corruption and harassment so people feel comfortable paying taxes.
“Customs, VAT or tax collection is not only a matter of enforcement,” he said. “Revenue mobilisation becomes easier when taxpayers have confidence in the system.”
The prime minister said global economic changes, technological advances and evolving trade patterns have created new opportunities and challenges.
Revenue officials must acquire skills in areas such as the digital economy, e‑commerce, transfer pricing, international taxation, trade finance, financial crime, money laundering and artificial intelligence.
He said VAT is a vital source of revenue but must be implemented properly to avoid obstacles to trade and business. Referring to a “regrettable incident” during the interim government, he urged officials to avoid disorder and resolve problems through discussion.
“We want those working in government to be able to work safely and comfortably for building the country,” he said, adding that measures will be taken to ensure a stable working environment.
Later, Tarique visited stalls showcasing revenue collection activities, tax administration and initiatives to expand the tax base. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Adviser on Finance and Planning Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir and acting NBR Chairman Ahsan Habib also addressed the programme.
