Govt forms 5-member advisory committee to recommend NBR reforms

The interim government has formed a five-member advisory committee to keep port operations, trade activities, and revenue collection running smoothly following the disruption caused by the complete shutdown enforced by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) over several demands.

The committee will be led by Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, according to finance ministry sources.

Fouzul also confirmed the development while talking to The Business Standard at around 9pm today (29 June). He said, "I have been made the head of an advisory committee to ensure that Chattogram Port and other ports remain operational, business activities continue uninterrupted, and revenue collection is not hampered."

Asked whether the committee would begin work tomorrow (30 June), he replied, "The Cabinet Division has not yet issued a notification. Once the notification is issued, we will start our work."

The committee is also reported to include Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul.

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed is not a member of this committee, Fouzul confirmed.

Earlier, the committee was formed during today's meeting of the Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Salehuddin said while talking to reporters in the evening.

Following a meeting with business leaders at the secretariat, he said, "The advisory committee will engage in discussions with all concerned, including the protesting NBR officials, to listen to their concerns and challenges, and then make reform recommendations accordingly."

When asked about the members of the committee, the finance adviser at the time declined to disclose names, saying, "The decision has been finalised. The Cabinet Division will issue a gazette notification regarding the committee."

Salehuddin refused to comment on the Anti-Corruption Commission's (ACC) inquiry into six NBR officials who are involved in the protests.

Earlier, a separate statement from the Chief Adviser's Office declared that all categories of jobs at the NBR are now considered essential services.

The statement warned that if the protesting officials do not return to work, strict action will be taken against them.

When asked about the nature of these "strict actions," the finance adviser said, "I will not comment on this. It has been issued by the Chief Adviser's Office. I have nothing more to say."

During today's meeting, business leaders raised various issues and concerns regarding their operations, he added.