NBR Chief vows zero tolerance for revenue irregularities

National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman and Internal Resources Division Secretary Md Abdur Rahman Khan said that no irregularities in revenue collection will be tolerated under any circumstances, stressing the need to ensure fairness in the process.

He made the remarks at a budget-related exchange meeting with government officials of Khulna division and district levels at 11:00 am on Thursday (April 2) at the Divisional Commissioner's conference room. The meeting was organised by the Divisional Commissioner's office.

Addressing tax officials, the NBR chairman said that many are conducting business through fake licences in collusion with others and evading taxes, adding that such irregularities will not be tolerated at any cost. He also instructed officials not to create any new complications and to resolve existing issues where possible.

He further said that the NBR belongs to everyone and will work for public welfare, adding that collective efforts will help the country move forward. He noted that the number of taxpayers in the country is increasing and must be expanded further. He also mentioned that new sectors are being explored to boost revenue collection.

Criticising a section of government officials, he said many travel abroad for training on minor issues but fail to gain any meaningful knowledge, instead spending time on leisure and shopping. This leads to misuse and wastage of public funds, while the main objective remains unfulfilled.

He advised officials to be cautious in spending public money, prevent wastage and unnecessary expenditure, and avoid placing a debt burden on future generations. He also urged bringing all government employees under the tax net to eliminate reputational concerns.

The meeting was chaired by acting Divisional Commissioner Mohammad Nazmul Haque. Special guests included NBR Member (Tax Policy) Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqui, NBR Member (VAT Policy) Md Azizur Rahman, NBR Member (Customs Policy and ICT) Md Mubinul Kabir, NBR Member (Tax Administration and Human Resource Management) Ahsan Habib, and Khulna Range DIG Md Rezaul Haque.