Over 200 Protesters Apologise to NBR Chairman

More than 200 officials and employees involved in the recent protests demanding reforms within the National Board of Revenue (NBR) have formally apologised to the organisation’s Chairman, Abdur Rahman Khan.

According to NBR sources, the apology was submitted on Tuesday (8 July) in an official capacity. The group, under the banner of the ‘NBR Reform Unity Council’, included mostly income tax cadre officers from several batches—particularly the 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st, 33rd, 38th, and 40th.

The officers approached the Chairman around 9:00 am to offer their apology, acknowledging their involvement in the protests.

In response, Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan said, “As the Chairman, I have personally forgiven the officers and staff involved in the movement. However, it is up to the government to decide on matters concerning any damage caused to the state by the protests.”

This development comes amid an ongoing Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigation against 16 NBR officials—including two members of the board—most of whom were reportedly active in the movement. Following the withdrawal of the protests, three members and one commissioner have been sent into compulsory retirement, while the Commissioner of Chattogram Customs House was suspended for halting official duties. These measures have reportedly caused unease among NBR personnel.

Addressing this anxiety, the NBR Chairman, during a visit to Dhaka Customs House on Monday (7 July), reassured staff: “There is no reason for general officers to be afraid. Those who have crossed serious boundaries will be treated differently, but there is no cause for general fear.”

In response to questions from journalists regarding retirements, transfers, and suspensions of several officials post-protest, Chairman Khan explained, “The actions taken against certain officials reflect the government’s policy decisions. The protest was not the doing of just a few individuals; many were involved. However, not all are being subjected to punitive measures.”