PM Tarique opens Revenue Conference 2026

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday inaugurated the Revenue Conference 2026, the second such event in the country, aimed at strengthening revenue collection and expanding the tax net.

The conference is being held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital and was organised by the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

The Prime Minister inaugurated the conference and later visited various stalls showcasing revenue collection activities, tax administration and initiatives to expand the tax base.

A video documentary titled “We Will Pay Taxes and Build the Country” was screened at the opening session.

The programme was chaired by acting NBR Chairman Ahsan Habib, who also moderated an exchange of views between the Prime Minister and officials from different departments.

During the discussion, officials shared their experiences and the challenges they face in revenue collection.

Taking part in the discussion, Tarique Rahman called on NBR officials to put past differences behind them and work together with honesty, efficiency and dedication for the country’s progress.

He stated that the government aims to move forward through collective efforts and is committed to creating an environment that fosters honest and capable officials to contribute more effectively.

Acknowledging the challenges and needs of NBR officials, the Prime Minister said the government will give due consideration to their legitimate demands while also ensuring the prudent use of taxpayers’ money.

He urged all concerned to properly perform their respective duties and work together to bring about positive change in the country.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir and acting NBR Chairman Ahsan Habib, among others, addressed the programme.

The conference is the second of its kind in Bangladesh. The NBR first organised a revenue conference in 2023, featuring seminars on income tax, value-added tax and customs, information booths and a revenue museum highlighting the history of the country’s revenue administration. 

 This year’s event is aimed at presenting the NBR’s activities, revenue collection procedures and reform initiatives to taxpayers and businesses, while also focusing on improving transparency and accountability in the revenue system.

Officials said the conference will provide an opportunity to discuss strategies for increasing revenue mobilisation and broadening the tax net. Separate divisions dealing with income tax, value-added tax (VAT) and customs are expected to present their respective work plans and priorities.

About 1,500 guests participated in the conference, including senior government officials and representatives from the economic, revenue and trade sectors, as well as experts.

The event also marked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first direct engagement with NBR officials during his tenure, providing him an opportunity to learn about the revenue authority’s field-level operations, processes and challenges, according to officials. -UNB