No additional tax burden in upcoming budget: Commerce Minister

Businesses will not face any additional tax burden or 'sword' in the upcoming budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has said.

He made the remark at a pre-budget discussion titled 'Pre-Budget Discussion 2026-27' organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Hotel Intercontinental in the capital on Monday, April 13.

The minister said emphasis is being placed on expanding the tax net to bring discipline to the revenue system. However, taxes will not be increased for individuals; instead, revenue will be increased by adding new taxpayers.

He further said the positive results of the plans of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the Ministry of Finance will be seen in the upcoming budget and in subsequent years. The notion that there will be any additional tax pressure on businesses is unfounded.

Pointing out that the cost of importing fuel and fertiliser has increased due to the international market situation, the minister said liquefied natural gas (LNG), fuel oil and fertiliser currently have to be bought at much higher prices than before. This has increased government expenditure.

He further said Bangladesh does not have a long-term fuel storage system, so any increase in international market prices results in additional costs. To solve this problem, initiatives for strategic reserves and process simplification will be taken in the future.