Bangladesh's National Board of Revenue (NBR) has announced a target to boost revenue collection by 47% in the fiscal year 2026-27, primarily through increased taxes on tobacco products and the resolution of high-value litigation cases, according to official sources.
The NBR aims to collect Tk 4.80 trillion in revenue for FY 2026-27, up from Tk 3.27 trillion in the previous fiscal year. A significant portion of this increase is expected from supplementary duties on cigarettes and bidis, as well as from settling long-pending tax disputes involving large corporations.
Officials stated that the tobacco sector currently contributes about 1.5% of GDP in tax revenue, and the NBR plans to raise this share by adjusting tax rates and improving compliance. Additionally, the NBR has identified over Tk 1.5 trillion stuck in litigation, and aims to recover at least 10% of that amount through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Economists have expressed cautious optimism, noting that while the target is ambitious, it relies heavily on effective enforcement and economic stability. The NBR has also pledged to expand the tax net and reduce reliance on a narrow base of taxpayers.
