National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan has assured customs officials they have nothing to fear if they carry out their duties with honesty and dedication, even as the agency continues disciplinary measures against some personnel following recent internal unrest.
Speaking to reporters on Monday after a visit to the Dhaka Customs House, Khan emphasized that only those who grossly overstepped professional boundaries would face serious consequences. “NBR officials have no reason to be anxious. Those who violated the rules on a large scale will be treated differently, but generally no one should be afraid if they fulfill their responsibilities sincerely,” he said.
The comments come in the wake of a series of retirements, dismissals, and transfers that followed a movement by NBR employees earlier this year. Last week, the Anti-Corruption Commission opened investigations into 16 officials, including two NBR members, most of whom had ties to that movement. Since then, three members and a commissioner have been sent into compulsory retirement, while the Chittagong Customs House commissioner was suspended for halting operations during a work stoppage on June 28 and 29.
Khan stressed that these actions reflected government policy. “Not everyone who protested has been penalized. Measures were taken selectively,” he said.
During his visit, the NBR chairman also turned his focus to operational efficiency, directing Dhaka Customs House to expedite the clearance of goods stuck in the Import Cargo Complex. Touring various sections, including the Long Room and the Express Service Unit, he spoke directly with customs officials and staff to understand bottlenecks and encouraged the IT department to quickly address lingering server issues.
Highlighting the importance of seamless trade flows, Khan instructed customs officials to prioritize the rapid release of goods brought in by Biman Bangladesh Airlines. A Biman official noted that due to close coordination between the airline and customs, congestion had eased significantly.
The chairman also inaugurated several digital initiatives, including an online tax payment system through A-Challan, a new Baggage Tax Software to ease procedures for expatriates bringing goods into the country, and DM Software to better track and manage confiscated items.
“Customs houses are at the heart of trade facilitation. It is vital that businesses face no unnecessary delays and that expatriate passengers are treated with respect and convenience at our airports,” Khan said. He stressed the need to maintain uninterrupted port operations, always placing national interests first.
Wrapping up his visit, Khan praised the overall performance of Dhaka Customs House. He reiterated his assurance that officers who discharge their duties with integrity and efficiency have nothing to worry about. “If everyone does their job properly, there is absolutely no reason for concern,” he said.
The chairman also shared that in the last fiscal year, the NBR collected revenue totaling Tk 3,68,177 crore, with expectations that the final tally would climb slightly higher once all figures are finalized.
