NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan has reported that 65 per cent of Tax Identification Number (TIN) holders have failed to file their tax returns on time, warning that strict measures, including the attachment of bank accounts, will be implemented to ensure compliance.
During a pre-budget discussion held at the NBR headquarters in Agargaon on 11 March, he stated, “We have already 
instructed our tax offices to issue notices to non-filers, gather bank and other relevant information, and investigate bank accounts. Officials will evaluate tax liabilities and, if necessary, attach bank accounts to recover outstanding taxes.”
He added, “Our tax officials are becoming increasingly proactive.” Despite three extensions of the deadline, only one-third of TIN holders have submitted their tax returns. Currently, there are approximately 11 million TIN holders, yet fewer than 4 million—comprising both individuals and corporations—have filed their returns.
The NBR chairman also suggested a potential reduction in tax rates for land and apartment transfers.
“Other agencies are involved in the overall reduction of tax rates. However, regardless of their position, we will move forward with this,” he remarked.
He further highlighted the necessity of increasing mouza (land area) values by transaction prices, which could help mitigate revenue losses resulting from tax rate reductions.
Additionally, he proposed maintaining stable tax rates for an extended period, such as four to five years, as part of a consistent tax policy—something that investors have long been advocating.
During the meeting, Snehasish Barua, a representative of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB), pointed out a significant disparity between transaction and mouza values, leading to substantial amounts of money remaining undisclosed.
“People are reluctant to declare the actual transaction value due to high tax rates. Consequently, a considerable sum of money goes unaccounted for, depriving the government of its rightful revenue,” he noted.
Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, president of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB), emphasised the need for a comprehensive review of tax policies to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
“There is a perception among foreign investors that once they invest in Bangladesh, retrieving their money is nearly impossible due to the existing policies,” he stated.
Maria Howlader, president of ICAB, and representatives from professional bodies such as the Bangladesh Tax Lawyers Association and VAT professionals also participated in the discussion.
