Economy
NBR Set to Monitor Government Officials Suspected of Illegal Wealth Accumulation
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is preparing to scrutinize government officials suspected of amassing illegal wealth and assets through corrupt practices. This move aligns with the government’s broader goal of creating a corruption-free and fair Bangladesh.
NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan, speaking at the inauguration of a recent NBR program, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “We definitely aim to establish a discrimination and corruption-free Bangladesh,” he said, noting that preparations for this effort are already underway. Khan, however, cautioned that the progress of these preparations might not be immediately visible to the public, stating, “You cannot see the move of these preparations from the outside.”
Submission of Wealth Statements by Government Officials
In parallel, Md Mokhles Ur Rahman, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, announced that all government officials and employees must submit their wealth statements by November 30 to their respective ministries and departments. Furthermore, wealth reports will be required annually, with a deadline of December 31 each year.
The submission of these statements is part of a broader government strategy aimed at increasing transparency and accountability. The government has provided a specific format for the wealth declarations, which must be submitted in sealed envelopes to the relevant authorities. Any failure to submit the statement or providing false information will result in legal consequences.
NBR’s Ongoing Preparations
While the NBR chairman did not provide an exact timeline for when actions against corrupt public servants would begin, he reassured the public that the organization is steadily advancing its efforts. “We are putting matters on the right track gradually, placing the right things in the right place,” he remarked, noting that the NBR is currently collecting relevant data on this issue.
Legal Framework and Historical Context
According to the Government Servants (Conduct) Rule, 1979 (amended in 2002), all government servants are required to submit wealth statements when they begin their service and update them every five years. This rule was originally intended to combat corruption and ensure accountability, but it has largely remained limited to paper, with little enforcement. Despite several letters from the ministry over the years, there has been little progress in implementing these regulations.
However, the interim government has recently reinforced these requirements, driven by growing concerns about corruption within the public sector. On August 14, the interim government’s Legal Adviser, Professor Asif Nazrul, announced that all judicial officers and their families must submit both domestic and international asset declarations within 10 working days, following consultations with the Supreme Court.
Widespread Corruption Sparks Action
Allegations of widespread corruption have put the issue of illegal wealth among government employees in the spotlight. This has prompted renewed calls for greater accountability and stricter enforcement of wealth declaration rules to curb corruption within the public sector.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
