With the launch of a new program aimed at significant tax dodgers, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) is demonstrating its determination to end tax evasion and stop the production of black money.
“Yes, it’s high time for us to catch all the big fish,” a senior NBR tax official told local media.
The official noted that under the current interim government, the NBR has an opportunity to enforce its rules and regulations without fear or favour, ensuring that no tax evaders are spared.
In a significant move, the NBR recently requested banks to provide account details of the heads of five major business conglomerates to scrutinise their tax compliance.
The NBR’s Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) has sought detailed information on the financial holdings of Beximco Vice-Chairman Salman F Rahman, Nassa Group Chairman Nazrul Islam Mazumder, Summit Group Chairman Mohammed Aziz Khan, Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, and Orion Group Chairman Mohammad Obaidul Karim.
The information sought pertains to the tycoons and their family members’ possession of term deposits, savings accounts, current accounts, loan accounts, foreign currency accounts, credit cards, lockers, and vaults, and dates back to 1st July 2015. Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, the adviser on finance and commerce, highlighted the Government’s unwavering position against the creation of illicit money.
“Our intention is clear—there will be no scope to generate black money anymore,” he declared at a recent press briefing following a meeting with UN representatives.
NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan also condemned the practice of whitening black money, describing it as an “indecent deed” and “completely unacceptable.”
Addressing concerns about money siphoned abroad, Dr Salehuddin, a former governor of Bangladesh Bank, confirmed that the government is actively working to stop this practice and recover the funds.
“We are taking steps to bring back the siphoned money,” he assured, adding that Bangladesh Bank is already engaged in this effort.
Former NBR chairman Muhammad Abdul Majid, who served during the 2007-08 caretaker government, described the current interim government period as a prime opportunity for the NBR to address its challenges in revenue collection.
During his tenure, he recalled that the NBR exceeded its revenue collection target of Taka 37,000 crore by collecting Taka 47,000 crore, a first in the organisation’s history.
The revenue collection target for the current 2024-25 fiscal year is Taka 5,41,000 crore. The NBR is expected to contribute Taka 4,80,000 crore, and the remaining Taka 61,000 crore will come from other sources.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
