The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is set to be transformed into an independent and specialised division under the Ministry of Finance, a move aimed at bolstering its efficiency while safeguarding the interests of BCS (Customs and Excise) and BCS (Tax) cadres.
The announcement, detailed in a Ministry of Finance notification issued on Sunday, addresses lingering concerns and outlines a clear path for reform by July 31.
The Ministry of Finance’s latest move responds to a May 22 press note on the Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance, 2025, which had sparked ambiguity among NBR stakeholders. A recent press release from the NBR Reform Council highlighted persistent concerns, prompting Sunday’s clarification.
The notification outlines three key commitments:
Elevated Status: NBR will operate as an independent, specialised division under the Ministry of Finance, enhancing its authority and focus.
Inclusive Reforms: The restructuring will preserve the interests of BCS (Customs and Excise) and BCS (Tax) cadres, with details to be finalised through consultations with NBR, the Advisory Committee on Revenue Reforms, and other stakeholders.
Legislative Clarity: All necessary amendments to the ordinance will be completed by July 31, ensuring revenue policy formulation is separated from operational duties. The ordinance will remain on hold until these changes are enacted.
A unified vision
The government expressed confidence that the announcement would resolve concerns among tax, customs, and VAT officers, urging all revenue departments to resume work with renewed vigour. By positioning NBR as a robust, independent entity, the reforms aim to streamline revenue collection and elevate Bangladesh’s fiscal framework.