Govt considering positive resolution for suspended NBR officials: Finance adviser
The adviser noted that efforts would be made to resolve the issue “as far as possible.”
The interim government is exploring a positive solution regarding the National Board of Revenue (NBR) officials who were suspended for participating in recent protests following the restructuring of NBR, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said on Saturday (15 November).
The adviser noted that efforts would be made to resolve the issue "as far as possible."
"What happened has happened, but we will think of something positive. If the working environment deteriorates, motivation will fall," he made the remarks while addressing the prize-giving ceremony of the annual sports competition of the Bangladesh Civil Service (Taxation) Association, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The adviser further said the government had shown patience for two months during the agitation. "Although many complaints surfaced against different officials during that period, the government largely refrained from taking a harsh view, keeping in mind that their livelihood depends on this job."
Referring to criticism directed at him after the protest, Salehuddin said he harboured no resentment toward NBR officials.
However, he pointed out that many of them frequently write posts on Facebook. "I don't use Facebook, so I don't see those posts. But my relatives abroad tell me that some NBR officials write such things about me that if I saw them, I probably wouldn't be able to tolerate it."
NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan and other senior officials were also present at the event.
The protests erupted after the government dissolved the NBR and formed two separate departments.
Many officials alleged that this restructuring had effectively shifted NBR's authority to the administration cadre, prompting them to launch a movement that eventually disrupted port operations in late June.
Following the agitation, the government adopted a strict stance, leading to the withdrawal of the protest.
However, more than 20 officials have since been suspended, at least five placed on forced leave, and hundreds transferred as punitive measures, according to NBR sources.
