NBR officials submit memorandum to chief adviser

The protesting staff of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) today submitted a memorandum to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, pressing a four-point demand that includes the repeal of the recently issued ordinance and the resignation of NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan.

A five-member delegation handed over the memorandum to Chief Adviser's Assistant Private Secretary, Shabbir Ahmad, at state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka.

"We have received the memorandum and will convey it to the chief adviser," said Ahmad while speaking to The Daily Star.

He added that the delegation also sought a meeting with the chief adviser.

"I assured them that I would relay their request," he said.

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NBR officials escalate protest against ordinance 

In the letter, the delegation argued that the prevailing perception in favour of abolishing the NBR lacks sufficient evidence and does not reflect the actual reality.

They also outlined their objections to the issued ordinance and articulated the specific reforms they are demanding.

"The NBR's functions are highly specialised and legally grounded, yet the ordinance overlooks the extensive experience and expertise of officials in income tax, customs, and VAT," the statement said.

"We did not see the reflection of the advisory committee's recommendation to establish the NBR as an independent and autonomous body—the revenue commission," it added.

"Structural reform of the NBR is essential. However, such reform must be pragmatic, inclusive of all stakeholders' opinions, and based on the competence and experience of officials and staff," it added.