The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Former NBR chairman Badiur Rahman, who was removed and transferred to the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management as the secretary following the allegation of realising taxes from people forcibly, will go on voluntary retirement from November 22.

Before going to retirement, he went on one month's leave with effect from yesterday (Monday).

"I have submitted an application to the Ministry of Establishment on Thursday seeking voluntary retirement. I feel the voluntary retirement is honourable for me," Badiur told reporters yesterday after meeting with his colleagues in the NBR and handing over the charge to new NBR Chairman Mohammed Abdul Mazid.

"I could not discharge my duties here (NBR) and also would not be able to discharge my duties three (Ministry of Food and Disaster Management)," he said. "What's the guarantee that I would not have to face any transfer there," he asked.

Badiur alleged that he was removed from the NBR as he failed to win the heart of his "master." "I could not have to face transfer if my master were happy over me evaluating nine months of performances of mine in the NBR," he said.

He said he was transferred as the government did not consider him eligible for the post of NBR chairman. "That is why I have been transferred to the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management."

Badiur said he had a difference of opinion with the IMF over the fixation of 17 per cent revenue earning target for the current fiscal year. "The IMF said 17 per cent revenue earning target was ambitious, but I told them what was their problem if I could achieve that target going on in my own way," he said.

He also blamed the businessmen, politicians and professionals for criticising his role at a meeting on September 5 last.

He said he applied for voluntary retirement to the Ministry of Establishment on October 18 drawing a conclusion to his 28 year long service in the government.

Replying to a question, he said he has no scope to comeback again as

the NBR chairman.

Responding to another question, Badiur claimed that he did not realize tax from anyone forcibly.

Badiur also submitted another application along with the leave and

retirement applications for expediting his outstanding financial

compensation.

He will receive Tk 30 lakh as one-tome retirement benefit from the government. "I want to pass the rest of my life with this amount," he said.

Meanwhile, new NBR chairman Abdul Mazid yesterday said his main objective was to increase revenue earning and bringing dynamism to the business and economy.

"Right now, my main objective is to enhance the revenue earning. At the same time, I intend to take initiative to bring dynamism to the trade and commerce," he said.