NBR uncovers Tk 1,874cr in tax evasion

The Income Tax Intelligence and Investigation Unit of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has uncovered tax evasion amounting to Tk 1,874 crore after investigating 183 individuals and entities, officials said on Monday (July 14).

Of the total amount, Tk 1,174 crore has already been recovered from 63 individuals and organizations, according to a press release issued by the NBR’s Public Relations Department.

The findings are based on intelligence-led activities conducted between January and June 2024. Despite limitations in manpower and logistics, the newly established unit has been operating actively and effectively, the release noted.

Since its inception, the Intelligence and Investigation Unit has focused on identifying hidden income, recovering evaded taxes, and promoting voluntary compliance among taxpayers.

The NBR emphasized that the unit’s actions have sent a strong message to tax evaders and money launderers.

Legal measures have also been taken against the acquisition of benami (undisclosed or proxy-owned) wealth and other forms of tax evasion.

The NBR described the unit’s progress as a significant step in reforming Bangladesh’s revenue ecosystem, grounded in “moral, technical, and legal foundations.”

It said the success so far demonstrates the unit’s growing role not only in recovering lost revenue but also in building a stronger tax culture and improving taxpayer compliance.