The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has decided to eliminate all import duties on electric school buses as part of a strategic move to reduce fuel consumption in the transport sector. 

"This initiative is the first phase of a broader government plan to promote energy efficiency in public transportation," said NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan during a pre-budget discussion for the 2026-2027 fiscal year held at the Revenue Building in the city.

Unlike many fiscal changes that take effect with the new national budget, he said, the duty waiver for electric school buses will be implemented immediately. 

The NBR Chairman confirmed that a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) will be issued shortly to grant this exemption. 

"We will not wait for the upcoming budget to implement this initiative," the Chairman stated, adding that while the national budget will see significant changes regarding the electric vehicle (EV) sector, this specific measure is being fast-tracked.

During the discussions, leaders from various transport organizations, including the Bangladesh Automobile Assemblers and Manufacturers Association (BAAMA) and Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA), proposed lowering registration costs for EVs by providing clearer definitions based on CC and kilowatts. 

The Chairman acknowledged that VAT refunds have been stalled for a year and a half due to the lack of an automated system, a situation he described as unfair and promised to rectify as operations move online.

The NBR has declined requests to reduce taxes on jet fuel, citing concerns over theft prevention. 

Additionally, while petroleum dealers requested zero-duty imports for truck chassis to replace 25-year-old vehicles, the NBR remains focused on balancing environmental goals with revenue requirements.

The meeting saw participation from a wide range of industry leaders, including representatives from the motorcycle, shipbuilding, and aviation sectors.