Staff Correspondent:

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is considering introducing a uniform tax rate across all sectors to eliminate disparities, the board’s Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan said on Sunday (April 13).

“It shouldn’t be a mindset that business will happen only if tax exemptions are given,” he said at a pre-budget discussion held at a hotel in the capital.

“You must factor in taxes when planning a business. If there is taxable income, you pay tax; if not, you don’t,” he added.

However, the NBR chairman’s remarks drew opposition from business leaders in the garments sector, who were present at the event.

Former BGMEA director and Urmi Group Managing Director Asif Ashraf said the garment sector currently pays a 12% corporate tax, and this preferential rate was granted for a fixed period. “If the rate is changed midway, it will break the confidence of investors and businesses,” he said.

He also reminded the government that policy consistency was emphasised as a key issue during the recently concluded investment summit.

Currently, the corporate tax rate for private, non-listed companies in Bangladesh stands at 27.5%. However, garment exporters have long enjoyed a reduced rate. At present, factories in the garment sector pay a 12% tax, while certified green factories pay 10%.

The event, titled “Pre-Budget Discussion 2025-26: Private Sector’s Expectations,” was organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) in association with The Daily Samakal and Channel 24.

Business leaders at the discussion also presented a range of demands to the government.