The government has stepped up efforts to split the National Board of Revenue (NBR) into two divisions, aiming to show progress before the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank next month.

The separation of the NBR is one of the reform conditions tied to budgetary-credit support. Officials expect the issue to feature prominently at the Washington meetings on 13–18 October.

An ordinance issued in May this year mandated the division of the NBR into ‘Revenue Policy’ and ‘Revenue Management.’ Amendments were later made in September after widespread protests by tax, VAT, and customs officials concerned over career prospects.

To advance the process, five committees have been formed to draft rules on recruitment, promotions, organogram, cadre composition, rules of business, and integrated recruitment procedures. Their reports are expected within 10 days, officials confirmed.

Despite earlier disruptions to revenue collection, a senior NBR official said the interim government is “receiving full cooperation from NBR leadership” and is determined to complete the bifurcation before national elections in February.

However, reform committee member and former VAT wing chief Farid Uddin warned that structural separation alone would not meet investor expectations.

Business groups have long prioritised integrated, hassle-free services over institutional restructuring.

The bifurcation plan is considered a key reform initiative of the Dr Yunus administration, though progress has been slow since the May ordinance.