Institute of Chartered Secretaries of Bangladesh (ICSB) organized a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program on ‘Finance Act 2026’ through the online platform Zoom on 14 July 2026. The program aimed to familiarize members with the latest provisions of the Finance Act 2026 and discuss its implications for taxation, VAT, customs and corporate compliance. 

Mr. Mohammad Sanaullah FCS, Past President of ICSB and Chairman of the Professional Development Committee chaired the session. Mr. Hossain Sadat FCS, President of ICSB was also present in the programme. 

The keynote paper was presented by Mr. Sorwar Alam FCS, Head of Accounts and Taxation, ismartu Technology BD Limited. 

Mr. Hossain Sadat FCS underscored the importance of Continuing Professional Development in today's rapidly evolving taxation and regulatory landscape. He emphasized the need for professionals to remain abreast of the latest legislative and fiscal developments to ensure effective compliance and informed decision-making.

Mr. Sorwar Alam FCS is his presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the major amendments introduced through the Finance Act 2026, covering income tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), tax compliance, fiscal incentives and other regulatory changes. His presentation highlighted the practical implications of the new provisions for businesses and professionals.

Mr. Khandker Abu Jafar Sadique FCS, Company Secretary of Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited, discussed the significant features of the Finance Act 2026 from a taxation perspective. He emphasized the importance of promoting cashless transactions within organizations to avail tax rebates and appreciated the Government's initiatives aimed at encouraging digital financial transactions through the new Finance Act.

Speaking from the VAT and Customs perspective, Mr. Md. Shahedul Amin FCS, Assistant General Manager (Accounts, VAT & Tax), T. K. Group of Industries, elaborated on several important amendments, including the definitions of labour and services, VAT enlistment procedures, exemptions, the introduction of the VAT Honour Card, revised provisions relating to foreign contracts, Free Trade Zones and Customs Agent licensing etc.

Mr. Md. Shafiqul Alam FCS, Chairman of the Taxation & Fiscal Laws Sub-Committee of ICSB, highlighted key changes relating to personal income tax, tax rebates, quarterly returns and monthly tax payments. He also informed participants that ICSB plans to continue its regular pre-budget and post-budget discussion sessions to enhance members' professional knowledge.

Mr. Mohammad Sanaullah FCS, in his concluding remarks, he discussed various important issues, including corporate taxation, mandatory dividends and Business Identification Number (BIN), tobacco taxation, investment rebate and the growing emphasis on payments through formal banking channels. He also reiterated five defining characteristics of the Finance Act 2026: accelerating economic growth, simplification of the tax system, promotion of digital tax payment, encouragement of investment and innovation and strengthening tax compliance.

Mr. Md. Shabbirul Alam Chowdhury, Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of ICSB was also present at the programme. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Mohammad Emarot Hossain FCS, Co-Chairman of the Professional Development Committee of ICSB. The session was moderated by Ms. Israt Jahan Rimi FCS, Member of the Professional Development Committee of ICSB and concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session in which a large number of ICSB members actively participated.