77 officials transferred, suspended, force retiredFear grips NBR officials amid transfers, suspensions

National Board of Revenue (NBR) officials and employees now live under constant fear of transfers, suspensions, or forced retirements following the withdrawal of the protest.

Starting in July, the revenue authority began issuing orders for suspensions, transfers, and forced retirements.

Several officials reported living in constant uncertainty, as the board continues to issue these orders gradually, in phases.

So far, 77 NBR officials and employees have been transferred, suspended, or forced into retirement for their involvement in the movement.

Additionally, the NBR’s intelligence unit, along with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), is investigating the matter.

Officials stated that the transfers of high-ranking officers were punitive measures in response to the protests held in May and June.

However, the transfer process officially began in July.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior NBR official said that all staff are now living in fear due to the ongoing suspensions and transfers issued by the board.

The official added that the revenue authority is suspending and transferring staff for their involvement in the protest organised under the NBR Reform Unity Council banner.

The ongoing suspensions and transfers are also linked to demands for the resignation of the NBR chairman, he added.

On Tuesday, the NBR transferred 41 additional tax commissioners, instructing them to report immediately to their new postings. The order was issued by the NBR’s tax administration.

Earlier on Monday, nine officials were temporarily suspended.

Meanwhile, over the past month and a half, 27 NBR officials and staff, from board members to security personnel, have been temporarily suspended.

Additionally, the government forced four senior NBR officials into retirement on 2 July.

The protest by NBR officials erupted after the government issued an ordinance on 12 May, dissolving the NBR and the Internal Resources Division and replacing them with the Revenue Policy Division and the Revenue Management Division.

Meanwhile, the ACC has requested wealth statements from 17 NBR officials amid allegations of illicit wealth accumulation.

ACC Director General Akhtar Hossain made the remarks during a press conference at the agency’s Segunbagicha headquarters in the capital on Tuesday.

He said the move came after the ACC, during its investigation, gathered information indicating that the officials had acquired assets through dishonest means.