Govt has no role in ACC probe into NBR officials: Salehuddin

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has said there is no government interference in the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) probe into some officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) involved in recent protests. Salehuddin made the statement while responding to questions from journalists on Monday at the Secretariat after announcing the new budget framework for 72 state-owned and autonomous

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has said there is no government interference in the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) probe into some officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) involved in recent protests.

Salehuddin made the statement while responding to questions from journalists on Monday at the Secretariat after announcing the new budget framework for 72 state-owned and autonomous institutions.

Journalists pointed out that in the past, the government has used the ACC as a tool and asked if the investigation into six NBR officials is a continuation of that approach. In response, the finance adviser clarified: "The Ministry of Finance does not issue any directives in this regard. In the past, governors often acted as government representatives, but that practice has now changed.”

He added: “Some may wonder why the investigation has begun now. But due to issues related to the NBR and port shutdowns, traders came to me daily with complaints—files are stuck, losses are high, etc. This is completely unacceptable.”

The adviser firmly said that essential national services cannot be halted. “Whether it is the NBR or the ports, these are not personal properties. These are government institutions that generate revenue. If you unilaterally halt services, it goes against public interest.”

However, he acknowledged that the situation at the NBR has improved. “The government is pleased that a solution has been found. We are now moving toward a rational resolution,” said Salehuddin.

To the protesting officials, he urged: “Do your job well. Work without bias or fear. Public service should be delivered with transparency and accountability. If that is the case, there should be no issue. But if someone deviates, they must be held accountable—that is only natural.”

The ACC has launched an inquiry into allegations of illegally amassing wealth against six NBR officials accused of helping taxpayers evade taxes in exchange for bribes.

They are AKM Badiul Alam, member of the income tax policy division; Hasan Muhammad Tarek Rikabdar, additional director general of the Department of Inspection, Intelligence and Investigation; Mirza Ashik Rana, additional commissioner; Monalisa Shahreen Sushmita, additional tax commissioner; Sadhan Kumar Kundu, additional commissioner; and Mohammad Morshed Uddin Khan, joint tax commissioner.

NBR sources said that at least five of the officials under investigation were directly involved in the recent protests. Hasan Muhammad Tarek Rikabdar is also president of the NBR Reform Unity Council, under whose banner the recent protests at the NBR have been held.