The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has announced plans to impose an annual limit on head office expenses claimed by foreign companies operating in the country. NBR Chairman disclosed the move during a pre-budget discussion with representatives of the Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) at the Revenue Building on Monday. He said many firms report large head office costs each year, which reduces their declared profits, and argued that such expenses should not rise indefinitely after the initial years of establishment.

FICCI’s tax adviser Snehashish Barua opposed the proposal, noting that existing laws such as the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and transfer pricing regulations already ensure expense justification. He warned that setting arbitrary limits could send a negative signal to foreign investors. FICCI also proposed lowering the corporate tax rate from 27.5 percent to 20 percent, arguing that Bangladesh’s rate is higher than competitors like Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The NBR chairman rejected the idea, citing revenue pressures.

FICCI President Rupali Chowdhury said foreign firms are struggling with negative growth since the pandemic and the Ukraine war, urging NBR to support businesses ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming LDC graduation.