Anti-graft probe begins against 6 NBR officials

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) launches investigations against six NBR officials most of whom were at the forefront of the protest by the revenue-board staff.

The anti-graft watchdog says there are allegations of over the past 20-25 years that by facilitating tax evasion in customs duties, VAT, and income tax for various individuals and institutions during their postings-and "profiting personally while causing financial loss to the state through "corruption, nepotism, and irregularities-certain officials are alleged to have amassed illegal wealth beyond their known sources of income".

Based on these allegations, the ACC is currently conducting the inquiry against AKM Badiul Alam, Member (Income Tax Policy) of the National Board of Revenue, Mirza Ashiq Rana, Additional Tax Commissioner of Tax Zone-8, Dhaka, Mohammad Morshed Uddin Khan, Joint Tax Commissioner at the BCS Tax Academy, Monalisa Shahrin Sushmita, Deputy Tax Commissioner of Tax Zone-16, Dhaka, Hasan Moahammad Tarek Rikabder, Additional Commissioner at the VAT Audit, Intelligence and Investigation Directorate in Dhaka, and Sadhan Kumar Kundu, Additional Commissioner at the Customs, Excise & VAT Commissionerate, Dhaka (South).

Among them, Hasan Tarek serves as president of the NBR Reform Unity Parishad, which is leading a movement seeking structural reform of the board instead of its dissolution.

In response to journalists as to whether the ACC's decision to investigate officials involved in leading the movement against NBR reforms was influenced by government pressure, ACC Director-General Dr Mohammad Abdul Momen said the inquiry is not limited to these individuals. The ACC is investigating many other NBR officials as part of an ongoing process.

"The decision was taken independently as part of that investigation, and there is no government pressure involved."

The ACC official said the investigation is based on specific allegations and the recommendation of the preliminary scrutiny committee that reviewed complaints submitted to the Commission.

There are also reports that tax refunds were deliberately delayed, and taxpayers were compelled to offer bribes or gifts-sometimes amounting to half the refundable amount-to receive the dues.

The ACC official warns that if further allegations surface against others, those will also be brought under investigation.

"The Commission will not spare anyone involved in corrupt practices, regardless of their rank or position," the ACC official said.