Staff Correspondent: Financial Affairs Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has assured that the upcoming national budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026 will be both realistic and supportive of the business community. Speaking as the chief guest at the 45th meeting of the NBR's Consultative Committee, jointly organised by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the FBCCI, he underscored the government's commitment to building an enabling environment for trade and investment.
The event was held on Wednesday (30 April 2025) at Hotel Sonargaon in Dhaka. The meeting was chaired by Md Abdur Rahman Khan FCMA, secretary of the Internal Resources Division and chairman of the NBR.
In his address, Dr Ahmed stated, "This year's budget will be realistic, and we will strive to make the business environment even easier." He added that discussions are ongoing with several US-based investors to boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Bangladesh. Alongside engagement with the IMF and the World Bank, the government is also working to support sustainable development across both public and private sectors.
"We may make mistakes, but our efforts are always directed toward your betterment," Dr Ahmed told the assembled stakeholders.
Special guest Sheikh Bashir Uddin, adviser to the Ministries of Commerce, Textiles and Jute, and Civil Aviation and Tourism, said that the government is focused on creating a budget that is goal-driven and grounded in fairness.
Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of BIDA and BEZA, reiterated the government's priority to enhance the ease of doing business and invited the private sector to share more targeted and constructive budget proposals.
Delivering the welcome remarks, Md Hafizur Rahman, administrator of the FBCCI, emphasised the importance of reducing the cost of doing business, increasing investment protection, enhancing port capacity, ensuring competitive tax and duty policies, and cutting shipping and energy costs. He also stressed the need for transparency, good governance, and an efficient tax system free from harassment and complexity.
In his closing remarks, NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan highlighted digitisation as a crucial tool for narrowing the gap between tax administrators and the business community. He informed attendees that several digital service projects are underway to improve service delivery and grievance redressal for taxpayers.
Leaders from various chambers and trade associations participated in the open discussion session, presenting sector-specific suggestions for improving the country's business climate.
Among those present were former FBCCI President Abdul Awal Mintoo, Dr Moinul Khan, Chairman of the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission, Md Alamgir, Secretary General of FBCCI, and senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, and other relevant departments.