The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has been split into two separate entities. An ordinance regarding this restructuring was issued last night.
The former organization has now been divided into two departments: Revenue Policy and Revenue Administration.
Despite opposition from BCS Income Tax and Customs cadre officers, the interim government has issued the much-debated "Revenue Policy and Revenue Administration Ordinance."
The ordinance, issued on Monday night (May 12), introduces only minor changes to the functions of the Revenue Policy department.
In the Revenue Administration department, administrative positions will be shared between officers from the Administrative Cadre and those from the Income Tax and Customs cadres.
According to the ordinance, the Revenue Policy Department will monitor the enforcement of tax laws and the status of tax collection, while the Revenue Administration Department will be responsible for the core task of revenue collection.
The NBR, established in 1972, has long been the central authority responsible for tax administration and revenue collection in Bangladesh.
It operated under the Ministry of Finance and played a crucial role in shaping the country`s fiscal policies.
Over the years, concerns about inefficiency, overlapping roles, and bureaucratic complexity had sparked discussions about reforming the structure.
The recent decision to dissolve the NBR and form two specialized bodies is seen as part of broader administrative reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the revenue sector.
However, the move has also triggered debate among stakeholders, with concerns about coordination and the future of cadre officers` roles in the new setup.
