In a major reshuffle National Board of Revenue (NBR) has transferred 41 senior tax officials across the country.
NBR issued the transfer order which includes high-ranking officials from the Directorate of Taxes and Customs. The decision comes in the wake of recent protests by tax officers.
Among those affected by the transfers are several prominent officials, including Hafiz Al Asad, Director of the BCS (Tax) Academy, and others from key regions like Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Khulna.
NBR confirmed the sweeping administrative move, which includes officials from various departments such as the Income Tax Intelligence and Investigation Unit and the Large Taxpayers Unit.
The move follows the protests that took place earlier this year, when tax officers raised concerns over issues such as workload, job security, and demands for better working conditions. Many analysts see the transfers as a form of punitive action in response to the protests.
Earlier, on Monday, 9 officials were temporarily dismissed, including two Deputy Tax Commissioners, and other senior staff members from key positions across Bangladesh. The dismissed officials include Sehela Siddiqa, Sultana Habib, and others, with accusations of misconduct and negligence during their tenure.
The NBR stated that these actions were taken following a thorough review and are in line with the recent government push to streamline tax operations and strengthen the accountability of tax officials across the country.
In total, the recent disciplinary measures have seen 36 officials suspended over the past month, including both administrative staff and senior officers. The suspensions and transfers are seen as part of broader efforts by the NBR to address organizational inefficiencies and improve overall tax administration in the country.