No government interference in ACC probe against NBR officials: Salehuddin

Finance Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed has said the interim government is not involved in the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) investigation into six National Board of Revenue (NBR) officials, five of whom were actively involved in recent protests.

Speaking at an event at the Secretariat on Monday, he said the national anti-graft agency operates independently under its own terms, without any government interference.

He added that there would be no problems if the agency acts impartially and transparently. “The ACC will proceed if facts are found.”

Referring to the timing of the investigation, the advisor said: “You may wonder why this started now. Why only NBR?

“Everyday people come to me saying their bank accounts have been frozen.”

Referring to his recent meeting with businessmen, Salehuddin noted many had suffered losses, which was “unacceptable”.

“One may have disagreements with the government, but stopping a national service is not justifiable in any way,” he said.

The NBR officials and employees have been protesting since May against a government ordinance that split the agency into two separate divisions -- Revenue Administration and Revenue Policy.

Amid protests that included a pen-down strike and other forms of non-cooperation, the caretaker administration backed off, saying implementation of the ordinance would be discussed with the NBR staff.

Afterwards, the protesters remained firm in demanding the resignation of the NBR chairman and declared him “unwelcome” at the agency’s headquarters.

Starting Saturday, the NBR officials launched a “complete shutdown” programme.

Under the banner of NBR Reform Unity Council, their movement stalled NBR operations, including import-export services.

In response, on Sunday the Muhammad Yunus government declared the agency’s services “essential”.

To resolve the ongoing crisis, the government issued a statement urging the NBR staff to immediately return to work and refrain from illegal and anti-national activities.

It warned of “strict action” if they did not comply.

Shortly after the government warning, the ACC revealed it had launched a probe against six NBR officials for allegedly accumulating illegal wealth through abuse of power and facilitating tax, VAT and duty evasion for personal gain.

Those being investigated are—

AKM Badiul Alam, tax commissioner

Mirza Ashiq Rana, additional tax commissioner and senior vice-president of the NBR Reform Unity Council

Mohammad Morshed Uddin Khan, joint tax commissioner and council member

Monalisa Shahreen Sushmita, additional commissioner and council vice-president

Hasan Tarek Rikabder, additional commissioner and council president

Sadhan Kumar Kundu, additional commissioner and council member

Later that night, the Unity Council announced its continued protest via a media statement.

After a day of intense developments, the NBR officials called off their protest programme, which brought relief.

Salehuddin said: “We are somewhat happy. The chief advisor was present. The NBR issue has been resolved and the ports have reopened. We were caught in between a bit.

“I told the chief advisor I would speak later. He said ‘Let them talk, a committee has been formed. You sit later, not now’.”

“We may have disagreements with them [NBR staff],” he added. “I have said before, but closing ports is unacceptable. These are not privately owned properties. If I closed my biscuit factory or my Coca-Cola factory, that would be different.

“This is government property. The government pays your salary. To stop revenue collection is unacceptable.”

According to him, the issue has been taken care of, and it should not pose challenges given that five advisors are available to look into it.

On Monday, the finance ministry hosted an event marking the completion of the first year of an online database system for budget reporting, loan and contingent liability analysis, and overall performance evaluation for state-owned and autonomous bodies.

After the event, Salehuddin said: “Have you ever seen the finance ministry intervene in Bangladesh Bank? I didn’t have time, because I was there. Bangladesh Bank used to operate under government orders and instructions. The governors then were not truly governors of Bangladesh Bank.

“I am sorry to say they acted as government agents. That is no longer the case.”

According to the ministry, the government is now using the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and Autonomous Bodies Budget, Reporting and Evaluation Database (SEBAR+) software to ensure transparency and accountability in budgeting, debt analysis, and financial management of these entities.

Through SEBAR+, the budget process of 72 organisations has been completed this year.

Salehuddin formally declared the process a success at the event.