Written by The Banking Post
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has launched the process of reinstating around 33 suspended officials from its income tax, VAT, and customs departments. The officials had been suspended following their involvement in protests against the government’s NBR bifurcation ordinance earlier this year.
The protests, which included tearing apart official transfer orders and blocking customs house closures, led to disciplinary action. As the departmental inquiry into the matter gains momentum, some officials have already appeared before the Internal Resources Division to explain their actions.
A senior NBR official mentioned that some of the suspended individuals may be reinstated with minor penalties, such as reprimands or temporary suspensions, in line with government service rules. However, the final decision will depend on the nature of each individual’s actions. While some have shown remorse, others remained defiant at the hearings, with a few even refusing to attend.
The inquiry is expected to evaluate the severity of the offenses, which appear similar across the board, making the decision process relatively straightforward. The Employee Discipline and Appeal Rules of 2018 lay out a clear distinction between minor and major punishments. Minor penalties could include salary suspension, reprimands, or downgrading, while major actions may involve demotion, termination, or removal from service.
Dr. Aminul Karim, former income tax member, urged the government to expedite the reinstatement process, highlighting that many of those suspended were highly regarded for their integrity and professionalism. “When I was director general of the Central Intelligence Cell, I selected some of them for their clean image and honest track records,” he said.
Dr. Karim also emphasized the importance of resolving the tense atmosphere within the tax, VAT, and customs departments, allowing officials to focus on the critical task of revenue collection. He acknowledged that minor misunderstandings had occurred but stressed the need for fair treatment for all involved.
However, officials involved in any conspiratorial activities could face more severe consequences, according to sources.
The controversy began in May, when NBR officials protested against the government’s move to bifurcate the revenue board. The protests were eventually called off after intervention from the business community, and the government later amended the bifurcation ordinance. Despite this, disciplinary actions were launched against the officials involved.
The interim government aims to complete the bifurcation by establishing two distinct divisions: one focused on revenue policy and the other on revenue administration.
