Dhaka, March 17 -- Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed on Sunday hinted that corporate tax rates may be revised downwards in the upcoming budget for the 2025-26 fiscal, with an acknowledgement that current rates are 'relatively high.

Speaking to reporters after a pre-budget meeting with leading economists at the State Guest House Padma this evening, Dr. Ahmed emphasized the need to focus on direct taxation over indirect taxation to reduce economic disparity.

"After assuming office, I revoked several SROs that provided tax exemptions to various sectors and individuals. In the next budget, such exemptions will be further curtailed to lower tax expenditures," he said.

He also said that indirect taxes affect both the rich and poor equally...