Dhaka //

The government is once again altering the rules for filing VAT returns to boost the momentum of field-level revenue collection. The provision requiring the submission of returns within 15 days of the end of each tax period—replacing the current rule of filing after the completion of three tax periods—is being reintroduced.

Additionally, if the 15th day falls on a public holiday, the return may be submitted on the next working day. Government, semi-government, and autonomous institutions, banks, insurance companies, and individuals or entities filing “nil returns” are permitted to submit their returns within 20 days of the tax period’s conclusion.

Yesterday (Monday), the draft of the “Value Added Tax and Supplementary Duty (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026” received both in-principle and final approval at the 22nd Cabinet meeting held at the Secretariat, presided over by the Prime Minister. This final approval is subject to vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division. The Cabinet Division announced this information in a press release following the meeting. The new provision will come into effect through an amendment to Section 64 of the existing Value Added Tax and Supplementary Duty Act, 2012.

Returns for Every Tax Period
The Cabinet-approved draft stipulates that, instead of filing returns within 15 days after the completion of three tax periods, returns must now be submitted within 15 days of the end of *each* tax period. In other words, business entities and taxpayers are required to regularly submit VAT accounts at the conclusion of every tax period. The government stated that the objective is to accelerate revenue collection at the field level. However, additional time has been allocated for specific categories of taxpayers: government, semi-government, and autonomous bodies, banks, insurance companies, and individuals or entities filing nil returns may submit their returns within 20 days of the tax period ending. **Added Convenience on Holidays**
The proposed amendment includes special provisions for taxpayers should the deadline for filing tax returns fall on a public holiday. If the 15th day coincides with a public holiday, the return may be submitted on the next working day. Following the Cabinet’s decision, the ordinance will now be issued after completing the necessary legal procedures.

**Congratulations on the Prime Minister’s UN Visit**
Meanwhile, during the Cabinet meeting, congratulations were extended to the Prime Minister and the Bangladesh delegation for Bangladesh’s participation—led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman—in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Prime Minister delivered a speech during the general debate of the 81st session on September 24. According to UN records, he represented Bangladesh at the session.

A Cabinet press release stated that the Prime Minister participated in 32 international programs and meetings during his four-day visit. In addition to addressing the UN General Assembly, he spoke at seven high-level meetings, held bilateral meetings with representatives from 11 countries, and met with top officials from 10 international organizations, including the UN. The Cabinet observed that Bangladesh’s participation in the UN General Assembly under the Prime Minister’s leadership highlighted the government’s commitments and aspirations on the international stage and played a role in expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

The press release further noted that prior to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, his father, the late President Ziaur Rahman, addressed the 11th special session of the UN General Assembly on August 26, 1980, and his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, addressed the 48th session on October 1, 1993.

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