Md Asaduz Zaman

Shows OECD report as generous tax breaks, weak enforcement and informality keep corporate tax collection low

Manufacturers welcome decision, say it will support investment, jobs

The ongoing forensic audit of key official statistics disclosed during the previous governments, including gross domestic product (GDP) and the consumer price index, is likely to be completed this month, according to an official.

Overall GDP growth halves to 2.22% in Q3

One in five young people in Bangladesh, nearly 86 lakh in all, is neither working, studying nor training for a job, the latest Labour Force Survey (LFS) 2024 shows.

In 2026, the latest labour force data available on the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) website is from 2024.

The country ended fiscal year 2025-26 with a slight easing in inflation, as lower food prices helped slow overall price growth in June.

Businesses have welcomed the relief, and officials at the NBR say it will make compliance easier

TIN requirement for opening bank accounts may be dropped

Bangladesh has formally requested a deferral of its LDC graduation by at least three years to allow time to implement key domestic reforms

Businesses will face a lower financial burden when contesting tax demands from the next fiscal year, as the government has proposed sharply reduced deposit rates for dispute cases across different stages of appeal.

Despite a proposed increase in the tax-free income threshold, many taxpayers, especially salaried individuals, are likely to face a higher tax burden from the next fiscal year.

From the next fiscal year, a 15 percent capital gains tax may apply when selling gold, jewellery, digital currencies, or club memberships.

From the next fiscal year, a 15 percent capital gains tax may apply when selling gold, jewellery, digital currencies, or club memberships.

Bangladesh once relied heavily on foreign aid but gradually reduced its dependence on donor support

The proposed budget offers modest relief to low-income groups, while businesses and domestic industries can breathe easier as they have been spared major tax hikes.

The BNP government is set to unveil a series of tax measures in the new budget for fiscal year 2026-27 today, offering incentives for green industries, digital entrepreneurs and technology manufacturers, while imposing higher taxes on tobacco products, conventional fuel-powered vehicles and selected imports.

Finance ministry officials said a significant share of customs tax incentives in FY27 could be directed towards the solar sector

The government is set to make it mandatory for businesses to have a Business Identification Number (BIN) to open merchant accounts with mobile financial services (MFS) providers in the fiscal year 2026-27 national budget.

Startups and IT-based businesses may no longer have to pay turnover tax from the next fiscal year, as the government looks to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.