NBR wants weapons for its officials working in 'risky positions'

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has urged the authorities concerned to supply weapons to its officials, who work in what it calls "risky position", for their security. In order to enhance its capacity building, the NBR has came up with the demand of supplying arms institutionally, suggesting that a separate armed “Revenue Force” be formed as an alternative to supplying arms. The recommendations were made at a dialogue held over security-related partnership at the NBR auditorium in Segunbagicha, Dhaka on Tuesday. Other than NBR high-ups, the programme was attended by the heads of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate, Rapid Action Battalion, Border Guard Bangladesh, police and Ansar. State Minister of Finance and Planning MA Mannan was the chief guest at the programme chaired by NBR Chairman Md Nojibur Rahman. Nojibur said: “Though we have been collecting a huge amount of revenue, our officials face troubles and are even threatened by some mischievous taxpayers. Considering the matter, we are mulling a separate armed unit. And, the matter is being discussed with all stakeholders.” CIID Director General Dr Moinul Khan presented an article stating that the NBR needs to increase the competency of its officials, in terms of security, through proper training. In the article, he also recommended constituting the armed force comprising the members of other law enforcing and intelligence agencies on deputation like the one belonging to Anti-Corruption Commission. The ACC launched an armed unit with 20 police personnel on September 7, aiming to bring dynamism and strengthen its activities and ensure security of its officials. Mokhlesur Rahman, additional inspector general of police headquarters, told the event that police would do everything necessary to make the NBR stronger. “As a police officer, I can say we have the ability (to curb criminal activities). The limitations of resources and manpower in the NBR is also being discussed to help constitute the proposed armed force easily,” he further said. MA Mannan assured the meeting of placing the proposal before the prime minister.