NBR reform advisory committee likely to start work next week despite some confusion

The five-member Advisory Committee formed to propose positive reforms in the National Board of Revenue (NBR) is likely to start its activities from next week although there is some confusion among the members regarding their facilities for work and jurisdiction.

On Wednesday the interim government through a gazette notification formed the five-member committee comprising two former NBR chairmen and three former NBR members.

The ex-chairmen are- Muhammad Abdul Mazid and Dr Nasiruddin Ahmed while three former members are— M Delowar Hossain, Farid Uddin, and Aminur Rahman.

As per the gazette, the advisory committee will advise on fiscal policy reforms, and revenue administration reforms, assess the institutional capacity of the National Board of Revenue and provide recommendations for modernisation, advise on the formulation of institutional frameworks and policies for integrity and good governance, advise on citizen communication and stakeholder engagement activities and any other policy advice related to revenue reforms.

National Board of Revenue (Board Administration) members shall perform the secretarial duties of the committee.

However, there is no time limit for the committee to complete its task. Also, there is no indication to whom the committee would submit their proposals and what will be the legal framework of its proposals, according to sources involved in the process.

It also does not indicate who will lead the committee.

Talking to UNB on condition of anonymity a member of this committee alleged that without any leader who will lead the team.

"To whom the member secretary would listen regarding any issue, like calling the meeting," he said.

He mentioned that the other committees that have been formed by this government to bring reforms in various sectors have their respective offices and staff.

"Where will we sit for the meeting or our regular work?" he asked.

He also said there is no clarity about the duration of the committee. 

"This committee can not run for an infinite time. Every other recent committee has its specific timeframe to work," he added.

He also said that these fundamental issues should be there for the members to work properly.

The members of the committee hoped that the government would clarify regarding this advisory committee very soon.

The interim government was formed on 8 August after the overthrow of the Sheikh Hasina government in a student-led mass movement on 5 August. It has undertaken various reform measures in various fields. As a part of this, the NBR reform advisory committee has been formed.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed during his recent visits to the NBR asked its officials not to collect taxes forcefully from the taxpayers, but rather widen the net of revenue collection.

He emphasised depositing the taxes in the national exchequer without any pilferage.