Unsure why, but let’s dive into the drama surrounding the division at the National Board of Revenue (NBR). Employees are furious about the split and demand clarity. They want their voices heard, even on the matter of dividing into two departments. Dissatisfaction looms large in the air.
**Confusion at NBR:**
The current organizational structure at NBR sees a senior secretary serving as the chairman. He comes from the administrative cadre, leading a team of 15 members, including eight tax cadres and seven customs and excise cadres. Among the eight tax cadres, three hold Grade-1 positions. The board also has one member from the administrative cadre, serving as a Grade-2 officer.
**Division Dilemma:**
With the division at NBR, two divisions will operate under the supervision of two secretaries. There are concerns about the placement of cadres in the divided structure. Will the tax or customs cadres lose prominence? How will the positions be distributed? The lack of clarity on these matters is causing unrest among NBR employees.
**Call for Discussion:**
Sadhon Kumar Kundu, an additional commissioner at NBR, emphasizes the need for thorough discussions on the committee’s main report. He urges economists, think tanks, business leaders, researchers, and media personnel to engage in conversations. The decisions made through these discussions should serve the country’s interests, without any bias.
**Transparency Concerns:**
Dr. Iftakharuzzaman, the managing director of Transparency International Bangladesh, questions the IMF’s pressure for the NBR division. He raises doubts about whether the IMF’s agenda aligns with boosting Bangladesh’s tax GDP ratio or serving the interests of large taxpayers. Are there alternative solutions to address these issues? These questions demand answers to avoid further chaos.
**Employee Discontent:**
The implementation of a separate cadre service at NBR after years of service is causing confusion among employees. They are uncertain about the implications of this change. The ongoing reforms in revenue management are necessary, but employees are left in the dark. The decisions taken by the NBR committee have yet to yield any concrete results, adding to the sense of unease.
**Final Thoughts:**
The release of the statement on the issue was rushed, lacking in-depth analysis. The division among government employees, between administrative and other cadres, reflects the inadequacy of the decision-making process. Dr. Iftakharuzzaman highlights the risks associated with the current approach, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive solutions. The lack of proper responses to these challenges signifies a deeper problem within the system.
Not really sure why this matters, but the NBR saga continues with no end in sight. The uncertainties surrounding the division and the lack of transparency only add fuel to the fire. It’s a waiting game now to see how these issues will unfold in the coming days.
