Retired customs and VAT officers urge govt to revise new revenue ordinance
NBR Reform Committee, composed of highly experienced and knowledgeable professionals, had earlier made thoughtful recommendations aligned with international best practices, said the retired customs and VAT officers
The Association of Retired BCS Officers of Customs and VAT (ARBOCAV) has issued a formal statement urging the government to review and amend the recently promulgated ordinance aimed at restructuring the existing revenue framework.
The ordinance proposes the establishment of two separate divisions — Revenue Policy Division and Revenue Management Division — under the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
After a thorough review, ARBOCAV expressed concern over the ordinance, emphasising that the leadership of both newly created divisions must include individuals with practical expertise and specialised knowledge in revenue administration, an aspect they believe was overlooked in the current version.
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ARBOCAV President Abul Kashem and Secretary General Mohammad Azharul Haque signed the statement.
ARBOCAV highlighted that the NBR Reform Committee, composed of highly experienced and knowledgeable professionals, had earlier made thoughtful recommendations aligned with international best practices.
These recommendations should have been publicly shared and discussed with all relevant stakeholders before being implemented, the association said.
The association firmly believes that appointing technically skilled and experienced officers to key leadership positions would significantly contribute to achieving the targeted Tax-to-GDP ratio and accelerating overall economic growth.
They further stressed that officers belonging to their respective civil service cadres should be assured of attaining the top positions within ministries and departments.
This, they argue, would foster meritocracy, professionalism, and integrity—ultimately fulfilling the intended goals of reform.
The association also noted that implementing a fair and inclusive approach would address long-standing inter-cadre disparities, allowing all officers and employees to utilise their specialised knowledge effectively.
This, they believe, would positively impact the national economy and establish a balanced working environment.
ARBOCAV reiterated that the proper implementation of the NBR Reform Committee's recommendations would motivate both direct and indirect tax officials to work with renewed dedication.
As a result, the ARBOCAV said, the benefits of NBR reform would be equitably shared among all stakeholders.
ARBOCAV has urged the government to uphold the spirit of the anti-discrimination movement of July by amending the ordinance or issuing a new one that faithfully reflects the committee's recommendations and ensures equitable leadership representation.
Meanwhile, the NBR Reform Unity Council is observing a six-hour pen-down strike on Monday to press home their demands for sustainable and inclusive reform of the NBR.
The Council's key demands include the immediate withdrawal of the proposed Revenue Ordinance, public disclosure of the NBR Reform Advisory Committee's report, and a comprehensive reform of the revenue system through meaningful consultations with stakeholders like NBR officials, business associations, civil society members, and political leaders.
The Finance Adviser is likely to sit with NBR senior officials to discuss and find a solution to the ongoing stalemate in the country's revenue sector, which is suffering a lot.
