BB and NBR Measures Put Squeeze on Local Businesses

Bangladesh Bank will release redesigned banknotes before Eid-ul-Azha 2025, featuring cultural and historical themes instead of full human portraits. The Tk20 note with images of Kantajiu and Buddhist temples will be issued on May 22.

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.

Bangladesh is forming a dedicated fund to manage seized assets from money laundering cases. Recovered money will support affected banks in repaying depositors, while funds from non-banking crimes will aid the poor. BB Governor Ahsan H. Mansur confirmed over Tk 1.3 trillion in immovable assets and US$164 million abroad have been attached.

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 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.