Frequent transfers, postings, and dismissals at the National Board of Revenue (NBR) have created widespread unease among its officers and employees. Many are anxious, not knowing when or where they might be transferred, with some even facing sudden dismissals. Insiders say this ongoing instability is negatively impacting the board’s administrative functions. According to officials, the unrest has persisted for several months, with over 1,500 officers and staff being transferred, reassigned, or dismissed during this period. Various official reasons have been cited, but many believe the root lies in internal conflicts and fallout from the recent NBR reform movement.
On Wednesday (September 25), NBR issued a gazette order transferring 485 customs revenue officers. Just days earlier, similar large-scale reshuffles took place, including the transfer of 555 assistant revenue officers on September 16 and 182 more on September 15. In recent months, hundreds of tax inspectors, assistant commissioners, and senior officials have also been transferred.
Several officers expressed unwillingness to speak on record, fearing reprisals. One senior officer admitted, “We live under constant fear. At any moment, we may be transferred or dismissed. This reduces our focus and motivation to work.”
NBR sources, however, insist that the reshuffles are part of routine administrative functions and not driven by bias. The finance ministry has also suggested that such steps are sometimes necessary to maintain discipline and efficiency.
Yet, many officers and experts disagree. They argue that frequent and abrupt transfers undermine workplace stability, lower morale, and disrupt revenue collection. Officials linked to the reform movement claim that 34 officers were forced into compulsory retirement, 17 were implicated in Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) cases, and many others were relegated to less significant posts as punishment.
Earlier this year, the government dissolved the NBR and the Internal Resources Division (IRD), replacing them with two separate entities: the Revenue Policy Division and the Revenue Administration Division. This restructuring was partly driven by conditions tied to the International Monetary Fund’s $4.7 billion loan package. The move triggered a two-month-long protest by NBR staff, paralyzing tax and customs operations nationwide.
Although the movement was eventually withdrawn on June 30 after government assurances, sudden reshuffles and dismissals have continued. Former FBCCI president Mir Nasir Hossain commented, “We urged the authorities to provide a safe and stable working environment for NBR officials. But continued transfers and dismissals only increase fear and disrupt regular operations.”
Economist Dr. Zahid Hossain also emphasized the importance of adhering to transparent procedures: “Any deviation from proper rules damages the work environment. Officials should not be placed under constant psychological pressure. Stability is essential to meet revenue collection targets.”
With Bangladesh facing rising fiscal challenges, experts warn that persistent administrative instability at the NBR could worsen revenue shortfalls and undermine economic management.