Experts Call for Widening Tax Net in National Budget

In the first seven months of FY 2024–25, Bangladesh’s budget deficit surged by 73.04% compared to the same period last year, reaching Tk 384.93 billion. Revenue collection stagnated, with tax revenue at just over 40% of the annual target, primarily from indirect taxes. Total expenditure stood at Tk 2.746 trillion against Tk 2.362 trillion in revenue.

On Sunday, T-bill yields in Bangladesh showed a mixed trend as banks shifted preference toward longer-tenure securities. The yield on 91-day T-bills rose to 11.65% from 11.54%, while yields on 182-day and 364-day T-bills declined to 11.51% and 11.62%, down from 11.64% each.

In the proposed Annual Development Programme (ADP) for FY2025–26, the top 10 ministries and divisions in Bangladesh will face a 13% budget cut, totaling Tk 163,103 crore—around 70% of the total ADP. The railway ministry’s allocation is set to be halved to Tk 7,715 crore, with Tk 3,258 crore from foreign funds.

In a major reform move, the Bangladesh government has officially dissolved the National Board of Revenue (NBR) through an ordinance, replacing it with two new divisions—Revenue Policy and Revenue Administration—under the Ministry of Finance. This restructuring, enacted late Monday night with presidential approval

In a bid to boost revenue and reduce tax exemptions, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) is planning to impose a 2% Advance Income Tax (AIT) on around 200 previously duty-free imported items. This move is expected to generate an additional Tk2,000 crore but has drawn sharp criticism from businesses and consumer rights groups.

The World Bank has approved a \$280 million loan for the Chattogram Water Supply Improvement Project (CWSIP), aimed at enhancing safe, climate-resilient water supply and sanitation in Chattogram city. Signed on 10 May 2024, the agreement between Bangladesh's Economic Relations Division and the World Bank outlines a project to improve water access and sanitation, while also boosting the performance and financial sustainability of Chattogram Wasa