Large-Scale Transfers at the National Board of Revenue (NBR): A Comprehensive Analysis
Administrative overhaul by NBR results in relocation of 189 officials within a two-day span
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has recently undergone a significant reshuffle, with over 40 senior and mid-level officials being transferred across various departments, including income tax, VAT, and customs. This large-scale reshuffle, which is unusual in its scale and timing, has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions within the organization.
The Reasons Behind the Transfers
The reasons for this extensive reshuffle remain unclear, with the article not providing specific details. However, it is suggested that the transfers may be a response to the protests and demonstrations by tax officials in May and June 2025, indicating a potential disciplinary measure [1]. It is also noted that transfers had started in July, suggesting a broader strategy [1].
The Impact of the Transfers
The mass transfers have undeniably shaken the NBR, particularly within its income tax wing. This kind of large-scale reshuffle is rare and suggests significant organizational changes [2]. Despite these changes, the NBR's July revenue reached a record high, though it still missed the target. This indicates that while the transfers may introduce some instability, they do not necessarily hinder revenue collection efforts [2].
In addition to transfers, several officials have been suspended due to alleged involvement in protests. Furthermore, 17 officials have been asked to submit asset details, which could suggest a broader effort to address corruption or misconduct [2].
The Projects Involved
While specific projects are not directly mentioned in the context of these transfers, the changes involve various tax zones and appeal zones across the country. For instance, Commissioner Mohammad Shariful Islam has been transferred to Tax Appeal Zone-03 in Khulna, while Md Selim Reza has been sent to Tax Zone-11 in Dhaka [3].
Recent Developments
Yesterday, 160 deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners were transferred. The NBR Chairman, Abdur Rahman Khan, has denied that transfers were punitive against protesting officials [4]. He stated that only those who tore official transfer orders in front of the media have faced action. Positions that usually require one or two officials now have 10 to 15 each in these projects, which has been interpreted as sidelining by some officers [4].
A senior officer, who was at the forefront of recent NBR protests, stated that the projects normally involve one or two officers. The officer also mentioned that assigning many officers to these projects means they essentially have no work [4].
In the past three weeks, numerous commissioners, additional commissioners, and joint commissioners have also been transferred. The specific reasons for the initial transfers on 22 June are not mentioned in the article.
This extensive reshuffle at the NBR is unusual in the number of officers involved, but the recent assignment of officers to projects is not mentioned as unusual in the article. The officers' roles in these projects remain unclear, with some suggesting sidelining and others interpreting it as a strategic move for capacity building.
The extensive reshuffle at the National Board of Revenue (NBR), which includes transfers across various business sectors like income tax, VAT, and customs, might be a response to the protests by tax officials, signifying a potential disciplinary measure. The mass transfers have been followed by the assignment of multiple officers to projects, which some officers perceive as sidelining, while others interpret it as a strategic move for capacity building in the finance sector.
