National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan has said the government is working to make the country’s tax system more user-friendly in order to encourage higher compliance and broader participation.

“The government is focusing on improving the tax refund mechanism for excess payments and integrating bank account information into the e-tax return system,” he said.

The NBR chief, who also serves as Secretary of the Internal Resources Division, made the remarks while addressing a pre-budget discussion on the National Budget 2026–27 organized by the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) at its Ruhul Quddus Auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday, according to a press release.

He said the government values constructive recommendations from professionals, adding that such initiatives would help expand the tax net and improve taxpayer engagement.

The event brought together policymakers, tax experts, academics, and stakeholders to discuss fiscal priorities for the upcoming national budget.

Earlier, Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, chairman of the seminar and conference committee and former ICMAB president, delivered the welcome address, stressing the importance of collaboration in shaping effective fiscal policies.

Keynote presentations were delivered by experts on tax and VAT-related issues. Former NBR member (Tax) Ranjan Kumar Bhowmik presented recommendations on tax policy reforms to improve efficiency and compliance.

Md Mashiur Rahman highlighted proposed VAT reforms and exemption mechanisms, while CEO of MM & Co. Cost and Management Accountants Md Mohiman discussed the Tax Verification System (TVS) and other tax-related issues.

ICMAB President Md Kausar Alam said that improving the tax-to-GDP ratio, broadening the tax base, ensuring financial stability, and creating a conducive investment environment are essential for a sustainable and inclusive growth-oriented budget.

The discussion saw active participation from professionals, academics, and representatives from various sectors. The programme concluded with the presentation of mementos, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by ICMAB Secretary Monjur Md Shaiful Azam.