[🇧🇩] Corruption Watch

[Saif]

NBR unearths Tk 18.74b in tax evasion as 183 individuals, firms under probe

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has uncovered Tk 18.74 billion in tax evasion involving 183 individuals and organisations, following investigations conducted over the past seven months. In a statement issued on Monday, the NBR said its Income Tax Intelligence and Investigation Unit, which beca

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

NBR unearths Tk 18.74b in tax evasion as 183 individuals, firms under probe

bdnews24.com
Published :
Jul 14, 2025 18:54
Updated :
Jul 14, 2025 18:54

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has uncovered Tk 18.74 billion in tax evasion involving 183 individuals and organisations, following investigations conducted over the past seven months.

In a statement issued on Monday, the NBR said its Income Tax Intelligence and Investigation Unit, which became fully operational only seven months ago, carried out the inquiries that led to these findings.

Out of the total, Tk 1.17 billion has already been recovered from 63 individuals and firms identified during the probe, according to the NBR.

Based on specific evidence of tax evasion, authorities have frozen the bank accounts of more than 100 people and entities. The intelligence and investigation unit has also launched initiatives to encourage voluntary compliance among taxpayers.

“The Income Tax Intelligence and Investigation Unit is fully committed to taking appropriate legal action against any form of tax evasion or the accumulation of anonymous assets,” the statement said.

The NBR has intensified its enforcement efforts as part of a broader strategy to expand the country’s tax base and enhance revenue collection amid increasing fiscal pressures.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh Bank issues warning against fraudsters posing as ACC officials

Bangladesh Bank on Monday issued an urgent directive warning all non-bank financial institutions operating in the country about a rising trend of fraudsters impersonating officials of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to extort money. The central bank’s directive instructs non-bank financ

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh Bank issues warning against fraudsters posing as ACC officials

Published :
Jul 14, 2025 18:28
Updated :
Jul 14, 2025 20:06

Bangladesh Bank on Monday issued an urgent directive warning all non-bank financial institutions operating in the country about a rising trend of fraudsters impersonating officials of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to extort money.

The central bank’s directive instructs non-bank financial institutions to immediately seek assistance from local administration and law enforcement agencies if anyone attempts to intimidate or solicit money by using the names of the ACC Chairman, Commissioners, or any other ACC official.

The central bank says these fraudulent activities have come to the government’s attention, reports UNB.

This central bank circular follows two separate directives issued earlier by the Cabinet Division and the Ministry of Finance on the same matter.

The modus operandi of these fraudsters involves contacting individuals via phone or in person, claiming to be ACC personnel.

They then attempt to extort money by threatening arrest, investigation, or filing cases. Many unsuspecting citizens often fall victim to these schemes.

Bangladesh Bank emphasized that financial institutions must remain vigilant to stop these deceptive rackets and take swift action against any such behavior.

Concerned parties note that impersonating ACC officials for fraudulent purposes is not a new phenomenon, but these incidents have seen a recent surge.

Bangladesh Bank’s initiative is, therefore, considered timely, and the public is also urged to remain vigilant. Citizens who encounter such fraudulent attempts are advised to immediately report them to the police or relevant authorities.

It has been learned that recently, four individuals were arrested following allegations of “demanding bribes” against ACC officials made by National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah on Facebook.

On June 30, the ACC confirmed the arrests, stating that the individuals were members of a fraud ring who had been impersonating ACC officials to extort money by promising to settle cases.​

 

[Saif]

Code of ethics for NBR

It is heartening to know that the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has already framed a draft of the code of ethics and professional conduct for its staff in order to make its service transparent and accountable. Why the NBR needs such ethical guidelines is not far to seek. It has ever remained one

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Code of ethics for NBR

Published :
Jul 14, 2025 23:14
Updated :
Jul 14, 2025 23:14

It is heartening to know that the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has already framed a draft of the code of ethics and professional conduct for its staff in order to make its service transparent and accountable. Why the NBR needs such ethical guidelines is not far to seek. It has ever remained one of the most corrupt government organs. In this context, the finding by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics' study on the state of bribery in the government offices that 31.67 per cent of the respondents had to pay bribes to get services may be illuminating for several reasons. The BBS-conducted study presents this unsavoury picture of the past one year when the interim government was at the helm of affairs. Titled "Citizen Perception Survey 2025", this study reaffirms that old habit dies hard for people in government service. The NBR with its infamous Motiur Rahman legacy surprisingly did not figure among the top corrupt government agencies.

Now what can be the possible explanation for this? The BBS study may have selected people of modest income, not those who have taxable incomes or actually submit tax returns. The survey has found the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), law enforcement agencies and land registry offices as the dens of corrupt practices with 63.29 per cent, 61.29 per cent and 54.92 per cent people respectively coerced to pay bribes for receiving service. Had respondents from the upper echelon of society been selected, the NBR would have every chance of breaking into the circle of the top three groups. It is not for nothing that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has tagged reform of this order to the NBR with its loan sanctioned for Bangladesh. The multilateral funding agency has taken interest in this matter and a team is scheduled to visit Bangladesh to extend technical support and also assess the code of ethics framed.

That the tax-GDP ratio is one of the lowest in Bangladesh and even lower than its South Asian neighbours is not simply because wilful tax dodgers can evade paying their dues on their own account, it is also because of an unholy alliance between a section of the revenue officials who prompts the process. So there is the need for the envisioned code of conduct which if framed well and made effective will leave not much leeway for such corrupt practices. Here the attempt is to set a benchmark of standard practices in providing service. When dearth of people with integrity is acute, there is no other alternative to tightening the set of practices and behaviours governing administration in its public dealings. All corrupt government agencies are sure candidates for similar ethical guidance.

Let the process take off with the introduction of the code of ethics in the NBR. Other government agencies may raise a dissenting voice like a section of the NBR officials did, saying that there are public service rules which guide their conducts. But this is a lame excuse. The bureaucracy and the administrative setups down the order have long been pampered by governments in order to establish a privileged but pliable coterie for mutually advancing material gains through corruption. If the NBR gets the priority right, there is no reason why other government agencies would not be made to follow suit.​

 

[Saif]

Extortion and corruption eat into vitals of society

The killing of a scrap metal trader in old Dhaka has jolted the national conscience. Killings of innocent members of public by muggers, dacoits, anti-social elements including teenage gangs have become so common that the entire country is turning into a death valley. But it is the extortionists who

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Extortion and corruption eat into vitals of society

Neil Ray
Published :
Jul 13, 2025 23:19
Updated :
Jul 13, 2025 23:19

The killing of a scrap metal trader in old Dhaka has jolted the national conscience. Killings of innocent members of public by muggers, dacoits, anti-social elements including teenage gangs have become so common that the entire country is turning into a death valley. But it is the extortionists who have targeted businesses---from small traders to big merchants ---in order to extract large sums of money. Such killings were there during the previous regimes and there is no let-up, if not shown a rising trend, of extortion-related crimes including killings.

In case of the murder of the scrap metal trader in old Dhaka, the manner of taking the victim's life is what has challenged the collective sense of right and wrong. The brutal treatment of a human being and the disrespect for a deceased body expose the diabolical mind behind such acts. This bizarre spiteful way of deriving pleasure from taking life of one who merely refused to comply with their demand for a monthly rate of Tk200,000 cannot but send shockwaves across all levels of society here. Fittingly, there has been a widespread outcry against the extortion and the appalling crime.

In this context, the statements made by the law adviser and the home adviser are quite intriguing---one says the case will be referred to the Speedy Tribunal Court for early trial and the other claims legal action has been initiated against those involved in the killing. Are these not too little too late? Indeed, the interim government has miserably failed to address the declining law and order situation in the country. Let alone the earlier vandalism and destruction of a number of infrastructure, when organised attacks were unleashed on some sites of historical importance including the museum on Road 27, Dhanmondi, the War of Liberation Museum located in Agargaon and some religious shrines, the government turned a blind eye to such mob violence.

The latest rise in mob culture finds its encouragement from the government's inaction. But there is more to the elements of criminal proliferation. Immediately after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's autocracy, there was a need for restraint on extortion in order to breathe a fresh air into the country's business sector. Indications are clear that both bribery and extortion are still rife in society. What is particularly galling is that a party well poised to take over if an election is held on a level-playing field, has failed to establish its command on leaderships at the grassroots level.

Allegedly, in the case of the latest murder in old Dhaka, accusing fingers have been pointed to this political organisation. Internecine feuds in the party make regular news. Yes, the high command of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has time and again warned its followers down the rank not to get involved in criminal activities. But all such exhortations seem to have fallen on deaf ears. Why? Are the BNP leaders playing to the gallery? It is reported that the party has by this time boosted its organisational activities in order to face the election. No question about such organisational activities. But does such party organisation not encompass the very basics of how party workers would conduct themselves? Did the party get across a stern message that their field-level leaders and followers can no longer follow the discarded political ways and practices of the deposed party that turned into a monster because of the 15-year long reign? It appears there is many a slip between the cup and the lip.

But here was a golden opportunity not only for the BNP but all other parties to mend their political ways in favour of a corruption- and extortion-free country---one that would gradually help reduce discrimination and disparities in society. The poor and marginalised people would have an opportunity to rediscover their rightful place in order to take part in the economic and development activities and share dividends of prosperity accordingly. The anti-trade and anti-entrepreneurship ambience extortion and bribery create should have by now been disposed of.​

 

[Saif]

TIB slams questionable procurement process of July memorial museum

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern over the decision to spend nearly Tk 1.11 billion through direct procurement for the construction and renovation work at Ganabhaban, the former Prime Minister’s official residence, for the purpose of establishing the “July...

en.prothomalo.com

TIB slams questionable procurement process of July memorial museum
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 16 Jul 2025, 22: 44

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern over the decision to spend nearly Tk 1.11 billion through direct procurement for the construction and renovation work at Ganabhaban, the former Prime Minister’s official residence, for the purpose of establishing the “July Uprising Memorial Museum.”

The organisation stated that the manner in which existing laws and regulations have been bypassed under the justification of direct procurement for spending public funds is not consistent with the interim government's commitment to transparency and accountability in state affairs, says a press release issued today, Wednesday.

According to media reports, the construction and renovation work required to complete the transformation of the museum by 5 August will be carried out through the direct purchase method, meaning no tender will be invited.

The Advisory Council Committee on Economic Affairs gave its approval in principle for this on Tuesday at a meeting held at the Secretariat.

Describing the procurement process without tender as questionable, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said, “The commendable initiative to transform the former Prime Minister’s residence—Ganabhaban—into the ‘July Uprising Memorial Museum,’ meant to commemorate the uprising, honour the martyrs, and portray the oppression by the then Awami League government, is now at risk of being undermined."

"Generally, government procurement through direct purchase is permitted only under emergency situations, unforeseen disasters, for specialised goods or services, or in specific circumstances where rapid delivery is necessary," TIB executive director added.

According to the government's explanation, the decision to award the work through the direct purchase method was made to expedite the completion of the museum's transformation.

Ifthekharuzzaman pointed out the question is: this project was approved back in December 2024, and under procurement policy, there was ample time to issue tenders and follow due procedures for open competition.

"Yet, after nearly seven months, the government has opted for direct purchase just three weeks before the deadline—thereby bypassing sections 76(1) and 76(2) of the Public Procurement Rules," he added.

ITB executive director said, "These sections clearly state that direct procurement cannot be used to avoid open competition or show favoritism toward any particular entity. Moreover, as this method lacks transparency and accountability, its application must be strictly controlled.”

Iftekharuzzman further asserted that the construction process of the July Uprising Memorial Museum does not qualify as a specialised procurement.

In this project, nearly Tk 1.11 crore worth of electrical & mechanical (EM) and public works have been awarded directly to two separate entities, he added.

“The question is: why was the direct purchase method applied for such a routine procurement? On what basis were these two firms awarded the work orders? What was the rationale for their selection? How were the contract values determined? How will ‘value for money’ be ensured in this expenditure?

Without proper answers to these fundamental questions, awarding the contracts in this manner raises valid concerns about collusion and favoritism. Awarding such a large amount of work without an open tender process also calls into question the interim government’s commitment to ensuring the proper and prudent use of public resources.”

The TIB’s Executive Director further stated that while the government speaks of its commitment to combating corruption and achieving state reform, violating such fundamental principles in public procurement is self-defeating and contradictory.

“We demand an impartial investigation and a clear explanation as to why there was a delay despite sufficient time after the decision was made, and why it became necessary to award the contracts without a tender process,” he added.​