The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated an investigation against six senior officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) who are currently leading protests demanding reforms and the removal of the NBR chairman.
These officials, holding various high-ranking positions within the income tax, customs, and VAT departments, are accused of involvement in corruption, bribery, and accumulation of illicit wealth.
According to the ACC, the individuals under investigation include a member of the NBR’s income tax policy division, additional commissioners from Dhaka-based tax zones, a joint commissioner at the BCS Tax Academy, a deputy commissioner, and officials from customs and VAT intelligence directorates.
Allegations against them suggest that over the years they facilitated tax evasion by influential industrialists and business entities in exchange for financial kickbacks, resulting in substantial losses to the national exchequer—reportedly amounting to thousands of crores in unpaid taxes.
The ACC further stated that some of these officials were involved in manipulating tax refund processes.
Numerous complaints indicate that taxpayers often had to pay bribes—sometimes up to half the refund amount—to receive their rightful tax returns.
Evidence suggests a systemic pattern of extracting illegal payments under the guise of administrative procedures.
Responding to questions about whether the investigation is politically motivated due to the officials` active role in the ongoing protest, the ACC Director General said the move is part of a wider, ongoing probe into corruption within the revenue sector and is not influenced by any external pressure.
The ACC reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in public service, especially in sensitive revenue administration roles.
