The state is reportedly losing a substantial amount of potential revenue every year due to irregularities, corruption and alleged collusion between certain unscrupulous officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and taxpayers. According to various studies and economic assessments by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), tax evasion, administrative weaknesses and mismanagement are causing significant revenue losses for the government. Various analyses have estimated these losses at more than Tk 200,000 crore annually. A considerable portion of the losses is believed to be linked to irregularities in the corporate and income tax sectors. Economists and analysts say that preventing such revenue losses requires identifying officials involved in corruption and bringing them to justice through impartial investigations and exemplary disciplinary action.
Allegations have emerged that several influential officials who enjoyed various privileges during the previous government remain in important positions at the NBR, continuing to create opportunities for irregularities. In particular, Md. Murad Ahmed, Additional Commissioner of Taxes at Dhaka Tax Zone-3, has been accused of abusing his authority, using political connections and developing close ties with taxpayers to amass illicit wealth.
Murad Ahmed, son of the late Momtaz Uddin of Pahartali in Chattogram, joined the 24th Bangladesh Civil Service (Taxation) cadre in 2005. According to allegations, he maintained close connections with several influential ministers during the previous government's tenure and secured successive postings to important and coveted positions. It is also alleged that political influence was used to suppress various complaints of irregularities raised against him during that period.
Officials familiar with the matter believe that a review of the official records from different stages of Murad Ahmed's career could reveal further irregularities. During his tenure as Joint Commissioner of Taxes at Inspection Range-4 under Tax Zone-14 and subsequently at Tax Zone-15, he was allegedly involved in harassing and blackmailing taxpayers and accepting bribes.
Following complaints of irregularities, he was transferred in 2023 to Inspection Range-3 under Tax Zone-4. However, complainants claim that the transfer was largely cosmetic, as he was moved from one important position to another of similar significance rather than being subjected to any meaningful disciplinary action.
It has also been alleged that, owing to political influence, Murad Ahmed spent almost his entire career in Dhaka. In contrast, many officials with differing political views were reportedly transferred outside the capital as a form of punitive action during the same period.
In July 2025, during an internal movement within the NBR, Murad Ahmed was temporarily suspended over allegations of tearing up a transfer order and engaging in misconduct. Subsequently, a departmental investigation reportedly found the allegations proven, resulting in a demotion of three pay grades, according to sources familiar with the matter.
However, in September 2026, the previous penalties and disciplinary actions against a total of 20 NBR officials, including Murad Ahmed, were reportedly waived under a special administrative directive issued by order of the former President. Earlier, in August 2026, while serving at the Jashore Tax Zone, he allegedly secured another transfer to Dhaka Tax Zone-3 through lobbying and undue influence.
Over the course of his lengthy career, Murad Ahmed has allegedly accumulated substantial illicit wealth through various forms of corruption. He is reportedly linked to multiple plots, apartments and luxury properties in Dhaka and the port city of Chattogram.
Among the properties under scrutiny is a luxury apartment on the seventh floor, Block A, of Building No. 3/21 on Iqbal Road in Mohammadpur, Dhaka. He is alleged to be the actual owner of the apartment, whose current market value is estimated at several crore taka, according to sources. His name has reportedly also appeared in the list of apartment owners maintained by the building authorities.
In addition, he allegedly uses a private vehicle valued at nearly Tk 1 crore (registration number Dhaka Metro-Gha 18-4011), which was registered in the name of his younger brother, Muntasir Ahmed, rather than his own. When contacted for comment, his younger brother reportedly disconnected the call after being informed of the caller's journalistic identity. He did not respond to subsequent messages sent through WhatsApp either.
Complainants argue that the alleged scale of his wealth and lavish lifestyle is inconsistent with the legitimate income of a government official in the fourth pay grade. He is also alleged to employ a personal driver at a substantial monthly cost and regularly undertake expensive domestic and overseas trips with his family during holidays.
Furthermore, allegations suggest that a significant portion of his movable and immovable assets has been registered or acquired in the names of his wife, Mahmuda Rashid, his two sons, Mashrur Ahmed and Mahfuz Ahmed, and other relatives, allegedly to conceal the actual ownership of the properties and assets. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is reportedly conducting an inquiry into allegations against him.
Serious allegations of irregularities and corruption against a senior revenue official raise concerns about transparency and accountability within the country's tax administration. Experts warn that allowing an official facing such allegations to remain in an important position could undermine the government's revenue collection targets and erode public confidence in the tax system.
Several NBR officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that a thorough and impartial review of Murad Ahmed's records and activities at his previous workplaces could uncover further instances of alleged irregularities.
Meanwhile, attempts have been made to obtain Murad Ahmed's comments on the allegations over the past 15 days. However, he has reportedly not answered phone calls or responded to requests for a face-to-face interview. His response will be incorporated into the report if it becomes available.