Seven in Race for New NBR Chairman
Collected Photo
Who will become the next chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR)? The tenure of current chairman Abdur Rahman Khan will end on June 30. After serving two years, there is little indication that his term will be extended.
He has reportedly struggled to align with the policy direction of the current political government. Allegations have also surfaced that he tends to speak more than he listens to advice.
This perception emerged from discussions with officials at different levels of the NBR and with business and industrial stakeholders. Many declined to be named, fearing potential repercussions, as the revenue board is considered a powerful institution capable of taking administrative action against individuals.
The current political government is taking a cautious and sensitive approach in selecting the next NBR chairman. The performance of the board chief is closely tied to revenue collection efficiency. The national budget has set a target of at least Tk 6.04 trillion in revenue collection through the NBR in the next fiscal year.
Officials say the government must appoint a professional, business-friendly and honest officer, or risk repeated setbacks in the economy. Revenue performance depends heavily on the chairman’s efficiency and innovation. Even a 1 percent shortfall in collection could result in a revenue loss of around Tk 64 billion.
An NBR senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the chairman must avoid errors in decision-making and remain focused on revenue mobilization. At the same time, he must expand the tax net without putting excessive pressure on existing taxpayers, effectively bringing new taxpayers into the system.
Nearly 20 years later, a BNP government has presented the budget, marking Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury’s first budget in office. Against the backdrop of global economic volatility, maintaining and revitalizing the economy poses a major challenge for the government.
Against this backdrop, attention is now focused on who will lead the NBR next. The post is considered crucial, often described as the chief guardian of the state treasury.
At least seven individuals are reportedly in the race for the top post, with some actively lobbying for the position, although many deny it. Competition for senior positions in the NBR has long been influenced by regional rivalries, particularly between candidates from greater Noakhali and Barishal.
Several senior officials have emerged as contenders for the post of chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), with at least seven individuals reportedly in the race as the current chairman’s tenure nears its end.
Among those mentioned is Ahsan Habib, member (Tax Administration) of the NBR from Barishal. Sources say he is attempting to secure the post through contacts close to the government.
VAT Audit and Intelligence member Syed Mushfiqur Rahman, from Lakshmipur with family ties in Barishal, is also reportedly lobbying for the position through influential BNP leaders. He previously worked at the foreign-owned ANZ Grindlays Bank, now Standard Chartered.
His colleague Moazzem Hossain, member of Customs Administration from Chatkhil in Noakhali, is also in the race. He studied at BUET for two years before joining government service through the BCS examination. It is also claimed that he was a batchmate of current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at Dhaka Residential Model School, although this could not be independently verified.
Tax Policy member Motiusam Billah Faruqi from Jamalpur is another contender. Sources say he has told close associates that his chances are strong and that he maintains long-standing ties with BNP leaders.
Syed Abu Daud, chairman of the Customs Appellate Tribunal, is also reportedly interested in the post. He is said to be backed by influential business figures from Chattogram, along with lobbying efforts from individuals close to the government.
Land Appellate Board Chairman Abdullah Hil Baki from Lakshmipur is also being discussed. He is the younger brother of Public Administration Adviser Ismail Zabiullah.
Social Welfare Secretary Abu Yusuf from Begumganj in Noakhali is also believed to be quietly in the race. He is described as hardworking and energetic, and is said to be pursuing the position through his own channels.
When contacted, VAT Audit and Intelligence member Syed Mushfiqur Rahman declined to comment, saying such discussions often lead to “baseless trolling” and embarrassment.
Another official of similar rank said that talk of the race quickly triggers speculation about hundreds of crores of taka in lobbying costs, leading to questions from relatives and friends. He said officials often feel embarrassed by such rumors.
Customs member Moazzem Hossain denied any interest in the post, calling the reports ‘rumors,’ and said he has six months remaining in his service tenure.
Another senior official described the post as a ‘difficult burden,’ saying many who previously held similar positions now face complications. He added that even during earlier postings, he never pursued such opportunities.
Chairman of the Customs Appellate Tribunal Syed Abu Daud said he has 11 months left in service and simply wants a peaceful remaining tenure.
Another unnamed official said he had already withdrawn from the race three months earlier, adding that many who have held or are holding such positions now face difficulties, and that “wise people would avoid this path.”
