National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan reassured customs officials on Monday that those fulfilling their duties responsibly have no cause for concern amid the ongoing anti-corruption drive.
“If everybody behaves responsibly and carries out their duties properly, then I don’t think there is any reason for fear,” Khan said during a visit to Customs House Dhaka.
His comments follow heightened scrutiny on the customs wing after the finance ministry last week forced four senior officials into retirement under a public service provision invoked in the “public interest.”
Additionally, a Chattogram Customs House commissioner was suspended over his alleged role in recent protests that disrupted port operations.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has also opened investigations into 16 NBR officials for alleged graft and irregularities—most of whom are linked to the NBR Reform Unity Council, a group that spearheaded the recent demonstrations. The council’s president and secretary are reportedly among those under investigation.
Khan acknowledged that some officials had “crossed boundaries” but said those cases would be dealt with individually. “The majority of officials should not feel threatened,” he added.
Rejecting allegations of selective targeting, Khan said such measures are government policy decisions. “If the punishment was truly selective, then why have only five officials been named, despite thousands participating in the protests?”