Dhaka, April 26 -- Business leaders have raised sharp allegations of "harassment" and "extortion" against officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), claiming that VAT and customs officers frequently obstruct the transport of industrial goods.

During a pre-budget discussion for the 2026-27 fiscal year held at the NBR Headquarters in Agargaon on Sunday, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) President Mohammad Hatem urged NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan to intervene.

"VAT officials still disturb us on the roads," Hatem said. "If I move materials between my three different factory units, they intercept the vehicles and cause trouble. I receive countless complaints about this every day. Please, put an e...