NBR reform ordinance under scrutiny: Fouzul Kabir
NN Online:
Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has announced that the government’s advisory committee on trade, commerce, industry, ports, and revenue will recommend amending the ordinance that split the National Board of Revenue (NBR) into two separate entities.
Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on Sunday, Fouzul Kabir said, “Some clever tactics were used in framing this ordinance. We will propose corrections to remove its ambiguities.”
He noted that officials from both income tax and customs-VAT cadres have agreed to the division of the NBR. However, they demanded that only their cadres be considered for key positions—a demand the committee does not support. “Appointments must follow a neutral policy. There should be no dominance of administration cadres either,” he added.
The advisory committee, led by Fouzul Kabir and formed on June 29, consists of five advisers. Two of them—Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwan Hasan and Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan—were also present at the briefing.
The energy adviser emphasized the need for a clear policy on appointing secretaries and senior officials to the newly created income tax and customs divisions. He criticized the ordinance for its vague language, citing Section 7(3), which states the secretary should have revenue collection experience without specifying whether that applies to land, passport, or tax revenue. “Such ambiguities must be addressed,” he said.
Fouzul Kabir also pointed to the ongoing tensions between BCS administration cadres and revenue cadres as the root of the NBR unrest, which intensified after the ordinance was issued. “The conflict existed before, but the flawed ordinance triggered a full-blown movement,” he remarked.
The adviser revealed that the committee has already held five meetings with various stakeholders, including income tax and customs officials, the NBR Reform Commission, and business representatives. The next step involves field inspections to assess revenue collection trends before and after the recent agitation by NBR officials.
He expressed concern over the economic damage caused by the movement. “Businesses reported substantial commercial losses and ongoing harassment from customs officials. They fully support the government’s reform plan,” he said.
Fouzul Kabir cited media reports alleging that some NBR officials formed anti-government WhatsApp groups during the movement. “This is a serious matter. The Finance Division will be advised to investigate these claims,” he added.
He also criticized the disruptive role of NBR officials, saying they shut down key institutions like Chittagong Port, causing major losses to trade and revenue. “These officials have lost the government’s trust. They must now regain it by improving revenue collection and easing port congestion,” he warned.
Responding to business community concerns about the government’s delayed action against the movement, Fouzul Kabir said, “The government acted with restraint out of its commitment to democratic processes.”
On a recent World Bank report suggesting Bangladesh might face recession due to internal political instability and global challenges, the energy adviser dismissed the concerns, calling the report outdated. “That phase is behind us,” he asserted.
In conclusion, the adviser reiterated that the NBR, as it stands, will not continue. A new structure will be recommended—but one that avoids monopolization by any cadre.