Preliminary investigations revealed information about their assets worth hundreds of crores of taka
As of now, specific details about the exact number of individuals like Matiur Rahman and Quazi Abu Mahmud Faisal remaining in the National Board of Revenue (NBR) are not publicly disclosed. However, the problem of corruption within the NBR has been highlighted through numerous cases over the years.
Summary of Corruption in NBR
Photo: Collected
High-Profile Cases:
Matiur Rahman: Allegedly amassed illegal assets worth hundreds of crores of taka. Removed from NBR and Sonali Bank's board of directors.
Quazi Abu Mahmud Faisal: Transferred to Bogra amidst allegations of corruption and asset acquisition.
Photo: Collected
Investigations:
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC): Investigating Matiur and Faisal for abuse of power, bribery, illegal asset acquisition, and money laundering. Preliminary investigations revealed assets worth hundreds of crores of taka.
Historical Context:
Harassment and Bribery: Businesspeople frequently allege harassment if bribes are not paid. Reports claim that it costs significantly more in bribes to pay taxes.
2015: FBCCI President Matlub Ahmad claimed it cost Tk3 in harassment to pay Tk1 in tax.
2023: Bangladesh Jewellers Association (Bajus) stated that Tk90 in bribes had to be paid to collect Tk10 in VAT.
FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam: Highlighted harassment in tax collection and called for automation.
BGMEA President SM Mannan Kochi: Complained about customs officials obstructing imports/exports and harassing entrepreneurs.
Photo: Collected
Notable Dismissals and Legal Actions:
2019-2023:
Assistant Tax Commissioner Abhijit Kumar was dismissed for taking bribes.
Former VAT Commissioner Wahida Rahman Chowdhury was accused of waiving Tk152 crore in VAT for four mobile operators.
Former Assistant Commissioner of Customs Mokhlesur Rahman is under investigation.
Photo: Collected
2017:
Three officials (Mojibur Rahman Sarkar, GM Shahjahan, Golamur Rahman) were dismissed on corruption charges.
Two VAT office revenue officers in Magura were dismissed for demanding bribes and accepting payments from Vision Drugs Limited.
Assistant Revenue Officer Khandakar Mukul Hossain was arrested for attempting to smuggle money.
2016:
Rangpur Tax Commissioner Animesh Roy, Additional Tax Commissioner Md Riazul Islam, Deputy Tax Commissioner Mohammad Amirul Karim Munshi, Assistant Tax Commissioner Safi-ul-Alam, Customs Commissioner M Hafizur Rahman, Assistant Tax Commissioner Zahidul Islam, and Deputy Director of Dhaka Tax Inspection Department Bidyut Narayan Sarkar were dismissed or penalized for corruption.
Measures and Recommendations:
ACC's Role: The ACC has made 26 recommendations to prevent corruption and submitted a report to the Cabinet Division. The lack of stringent administrative actions against corrupt officials has been noted as a significant issue.
