The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is preparing to implement a formal code of ethics and professional conduct by September 2025, fulfilling a key structural benchmark under Bangladesh’s $4.7 billion loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The initiative, aimed at boosting transparency and professionalism, is expected to define behavioural standards for tax officials, regulate access to taxpayer information, and govern digital interactions within the revenue administration.

Though the move comes amid recent unrest in the sector, NBR insiders said the process began in 2024 under a six-member committee. NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan confirmed that a draft of the code is now under review, with finalisation expected by August.

Meeting this benchmark is essential to unlocking the subsequent IMF tranches worth $1.16 billion. An IMF mission is scheduled to visit Bangladesh to provide technical support and evaluate compliance.

Economists and tax professionals have welcomed the move. Professor Mustafizur Rahman of the Centre for Policy Dialogue called it “timely,” but urged that it be linked with broader administrative reforms and institutional strengthening.

However, some officials expressed concern over the necessity of a separate code, arguing that all civil servants already operate under existing service rules. Others stressed the need to harmonise the new code with current regulations to avoid conflict.

NBR officials maintain that the code will complement existing rules and align with international best practices in revenue governance, helping to restore public trust in the tax authority.