Forget protests and move forward: NBR chairman tells staff as work resumes

National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan on Monday said recent protest programmes by the staff under the banner of NBR Reform Unity Council have hampered revenue collection efforts.

Speaking to reporters at the NBR headquarters in Agargaon, he urged all staff members to move past the events of the past few days and focus on working in the interest of the state and the country.

“Whatever has happened, we need to forget and move forward, working together for the greater interest of the nation,” the NBR chairman said.

The remarks came a day after the Reform Unity Council of NBR, which had been demonstrating for several days demanding logical reforms and the resignation of the NBR chairman, called off its protest following stern government warning.

From Monday morning, NBR officials and staff returned to their duties.

Describing the return of activity within NBR offices,  Khan mentioned that customs houses resumed operations by Sunday afternoon, with all departments beginning work again Monday morning.

“There is now a sense of relief among stakeholders, particularly within the business community and policymakers,” he said.

As of 10 a.m. Monday, the NBR had collected Tk 3,60,922 crore in revenue, he informed.

“We expect to receive a substantial amount today. Once government bills are reconciled, the collection is likely to surpass last year’s figure. Even if it doesn’t meet our original expectations, it will likely come close,” he added.

The NBR chairman expressed optimism that the momentum in revenue collection would be restored quickly and thanked all officials for returning to their duties.