The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is moving towards utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Business Intelligence (BI) tools in the areas of revenue collection, tax evasion prevention, and revenue-related research and development. This information has been revealed as part of the Smart Bangladesh initiative outlined by the NBR.

According to information provided by the NBR, the adoption of these technologies is expected to bring about greater efficiency in current economic activities. The use of Business Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence tools will ensure transparency in all types of transactions, from procurement to sales, thereby contributing to increased revenue from VAT and overall revenue growth. To achieve this, e-invoicing systems will be implemented for production, distribution, and wholesale sales. Additionally, the use of AI and BI will be ensured in these processes.

In this context, the NBR has indicated that the plan has been published on the board's website. The final plan is currently awaiting approval from the Chairman's office. Details will be available once the Chairman approves its publication. The plan will provide guidance on the implementation timeline and procedures.

Efforts are also being made to collect information from electricity suppliers to ensure tax compliance and prevent tax evasion. It is expected that revenue collection will increase, and tax evasion will be effectively prevented through this initiative.

Furthermore, it is anticipated that this initiative will lead to accurate electricity usage calculations at the national level. The expansion of revenue collection and technological development in revenue management will result in a modern and smart revenue management system. The initiative will be implemented under the supervision of the NBR and its affiliated areas.

According to sources within the NBR, the plan for the Smart Bangladesh initiative includes eight initiatives. To learn whether all previous initiatives have been completed, one can inquire with a NBR official, as new skills and guidelines are in place. 

The NBR has informed that the plan has been published on their website. The final plan is under the Chairman's office. If approved, it will be published. The details will be available.

It has been learned from NBR sources that on October 27, 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited (DPDC) at the then NBR conference room. The Chairman of the NBR, Abu Hena Md. Rahmatul Munim, informed that as a result of the agreement, all categories of new electricity connections will be accepted, and old connections will be maintained, making it easier to determine the number of taxpayers and increase revenue collection.During January-February 2022, the NBR sent letters to eligible individuals and establishments urging them to bring electricity and gas accounts under taxation with the cooperation of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and the National Board of Revenue (NBR). The NBR estimates that at least two million taxpayers will be identified if relevant databases of electricity, gas, and city corporations are cross-checked.

On the other hand, the NBR has taken an initiative to bring two city corporations of Dhaka under digital service coverage. According to the NBR's estimation, if this initiative succeeds, at least 5 million taxpayers will be included from there.

Prior to this, to increase revenue collection and stop tax evasion, ten secretaries from ten ministries, including the Ministry of Bridges and Communication, the Ministry of Shipping, and the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, were sent letters by the NBR. It has been reported that letters were sent from the NBR to the secretaries of the respective ministries on March 31, 2021.

A meeting was held between the NBR's Internal Ministry and ten ministries on March 15, 2021, with the goal of accelerating income tax returns and tax deductions.

Previously, in order to increase revenue collection, mutual information exchange initiatives were undertaken between the Election Commission, BRTA, National Savings Directorate, BIDA, BEPZA, and the Ministry of Finance's iBAS software. Under these initiatives, letters were sent from the NBR to verify information from vehicle owners and investors from BRTA and National Savings Directorate, respectively.

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