No Impact on Revenue Collection Even if NBR is Abolished: Economic Advisor

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Economy Desk: The government has decided to abolish the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and create two new divisions: the 'Revenue Policy Division' and the 'Revenue Management Division.' However, Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has assured that there is no reason for the institution's officials to be worried about this change.

On Tuesday (May 13), after the Advisory Council on Public Procurement meeting, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed made this statement while speaking to the media.

The advisor stated that this decision was made after considering the overall situation. He assured that it would not have any impact on revenue collection and emphasized that at least it would not result in a decrease in revenue compared to the previous period.

The economic advisor mentioned that revenue collection and management are separate in every country around the world. He reassured them that there is no reason for the revenue officials to be concerned due to the separation. He added that if one examines the ordinance properly, it will be clear.

Regarding the upcoming budget, the advisor said, "We will not borrow money to execute large mega projects. We will not borrow from banks or print money to implement the budget. Whether the budget will be small or large will be clear in the coming days."

Earlier, on Monday night, the government issued an ordinance to abolish the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and establish the Revenue Policy and Revenue Management departments. At the same time, the Internal Resource Division was also dissolved.

In response to the government's decision, employees are expressing opposition. They claim that the decision was made to comply with the IMF's conditions, disregarding the opinions of income tax and customs cadre officials.

It is reported that the ordinance issued makes only minor changes to the scope of the Revenue Policy Department's functions. In the administrative positions of the Revenue Management Department, officials from the administrative cadre, as well as from the income tax and customs cadres, have been included.

According to the new ordinance, the personnel of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) will be transferred to the Revenue Management Department. From this workforce, necessary personnel can be assigned to the Revenue Policy Department. Additionally, the Internal Revenue Division has been dissolved, and its personnel will be transferred to the Revenue Policy Department.