The national budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026 will be realistic and business-friendly, said Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Advisor to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Science and Technology.
He said this at the 45th meeting of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) Advisory Committee jointly organized by the NBR and FBCCI at Hotel Sonargaon in the capital on Wednesday (April 30, 2025) morning.
The meeting was presided over by Internal Resources Division Secretary and National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, FCMA.
Speaking as the chief guest at the meeting, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said, “This year’s budget will be realistic. We will try to make the business environment easier in the budget.”
The Finance Advisor said that discussions are underway with several investors from the United States to increase foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country. Besides, discussions are also being held with the IMF and the World Bank. The government is working for the sustainable development of not only the public sector but also the private sector. “We may make mistakes, but we are working for you,” the Finance Advisor said.
Speaking as a special guest at the meeting, Sheikh Bashiruddin, Advisor to the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Textiles and Jute, and Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, said that the current government’s goal is to formulate a budget based on fairness and goals in determining expenditure.
Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), said that the government is giving special importance to improving the business and trade environment. At this time, he called for more specific and constructive budget proposals from the private sector.
FBCCI Administrator Md. Hafizur Rahman delivered a welcome speech at the meeting. At this time, the FBCCI Administrator called for giving special priority in the next budget to strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global competitiveness index – reducing the cost of doing business, attracting and protecting investments, increasing port capacity, ensuring balanced investment-friendly currency and customs management, reducing shipping and transportation costs, ensuring affordable and quality fuel, implementing transparency and good governance, as well as ensuring business-friendly tax management by eliminating harassment and complications in tax collection.
In his speech, National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan said that digitization of tax management will play a major role in reducing the distance between the NBR and businessmen. He said that the government has undertaken various digitization projects to work on various services and complaints of businessmen.
Taking part in an open discussion in the meeting, leaders of various chambers and associations presented sector-wise proposals to improve the country’s business environment.
Former FBCCI President Abdul Awal Mintu, Chairman of Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission Dr. Mainul Khan, FBCCI Secretary General Md. Alamgir, senior officials of various ministries and departments including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce were also present at the meeting.
