NBR chairman emphasises boosting revenue collection, enhancing efficiency

National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan today (22 July) underscored the need for boosting revenue collection and enhancing operational efficiency across customs activities.

He emphasised faster cargo clearance under risk management, strengthening enforcement, expanding automation, ensuring compliance with import policy orders, reducing legal disputes, and intensifying arrear recovery efforts.

He made the remarks during a view-exchange meeting with officials and employees of Customs House, Mongla; Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate, Khulna; Tax Zone, Khulna; and Customs and Income Tax Sub-Division, as well as with C&F agents and journalists.

The NBR chairman highlighted the urgent need to expand the number of registered income tax and VAT payers. He called for stricter monitoring of both compliant and non-compliant taxpayers, urging a shift in focus from mere revenue growth to broadening the tax base.

He suggested adopting long-term (5-6 year) strategic plans to significantly increase the number of registered taxpayers. Identifying zero-return filers who are not actual taxpayers should also be prioritised, he said.

Khan directed all relevant offices to expedite the implementation of ongoing projects related to income tax, VAT, and customs. He also stressed the importance of conducting timely annual audits to avoid prolonged review periods that could harm businesses.

Addressing infrastructure gaps, the NBR chairman assured officials that a permanent office for Customs House, Mongla would be established soon. He also committed to improving housing facilities for customs officials and staff.

In response to the vehicle shortage raised by officials of the Khulna Customs, Excise, and VAT Commissionerate, he promised to arrange additional vehicles through purchase or lease.

He further pledged that a centralised licensing system would soon replace the existing reference-based licensing for C&F agents, shipping agents, and freight forwarders.

To improve inter-agency coordination, the Chairman instructed full integration of the Automated Risk Management System (ARMS), Bangladesh Single Window (BSW), and Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) into customs operations.

He also directed the submission of a comprehensive list of products sent to institutions such as BUET and KUET for chemical testing and quality verification to the NBR Member (Customs: Policy).

Highlighting the critical role of the revenue department in national economic stability, Khan warned that any disruption in revenue functions could severely impact the country.

He placed special emphasis on enhancing the operational efficiency of Mongla Customs House and urged all stakeholders—including importers, exporters, C&F agents, port authorities, and customs officials — to prioritise national interest, avoid rumours, and work in unison to ensure smooth revenue collection.

Khan expressed satisfaction with the overall performance of Mongla Customs House and reiterated that improved efficiency is essential to keep pace with global standards.

Earlier, the NBR chairman visited Customs House, Mongla, where he expressed deep condolences over the recent crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft near Milestone School and College in Dhaka.

He inspected various operational areas, including the container yard, port car storage yard, and the vehicle storage yard prepared for auction, and held discussions with staff on workflow improvements.