Published : 06 Sep 2026, 06:52 PM
Updated : 16 Sep 2026, 11:48 AM
The government has waived penalties imposed on 20 National Board of Revenue (NBR) officials over protests against the interim government’s ordinance to split the revenue agency.
The Internal Resources Division issued separate orders on Sunday lifting the disciplinary measures against the officials.
The government has waived the disciplinary penalties imposed on 20 National Board of Revenue (NBR) officials over their role in protests against an ordinance to split the revenue agency.
The Internal Resources Division issued separate notifications on Sunday lifting the penalties against the officials serving in various positions.
The action follows appeals to the president, according to the notifications.
Some officials had their basic pay reduced by two or more pay grades after being accused of helping organise the protests.
The dispute dates back to 2025, when the interim government issued an ordinance creating two separate divisions -- Revenue Management and Revenue Policy -- in place of the existing NBR structure.
Officials and employees launched a series of programmes, including work stoppages, demanding the withdrawal of the ordinance.
The government later said “necessary amendments” would be made and that the NBR would continue operating under its existing structure until then.
The protests subsequently widened, with employees also demanding the resignation of the NBR chairman and declaring him “unwanted” at the agency’s headquarters.
A “complete shutdown” began on Jun 28, disrupting NBR operations including import and export activities.
The interim government responded by moving to declare NBR services “essential” and urged officials to return to work.
The shutdown was later withdrawn following mediation by business leaders.
The Anti-Corruption Commission subsequently began inquiries into 16 officials who had been prominent in the movement.
Before the Tarique Rahman administration took office, several NBR officials faced disciplinary action, including compulsory retirement and lesser penalties.
After the BNP returned to power through the February election, NBR officials raised the issue of those punishments with Prime Minister Tarique at a revenue conference on Aug 18.
They warned that continued fear of disciplinary action could affect revenue collection.
The prime minister urged them to move beyond the past and assured them the issue would be reviewed.
NBR officials say the withdrawal of earlier disciplinary measures against 24 participants in the movement marks a “major success”.
They also say they expect the government to take steps to reinstate three NBR members, a commissioner and a tax commissioner who were sent into compulsory retirement.
