Dhaka, Sep 28 (V7N): The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is set to begin scrutinizing government officials suspected of amassing illegal wealth through corrupt practices. This initiative is aimed at supporting the government's vision of creating a corruption-free and non-discriminatory Bangladesh.

"We are committed to building a Bangladesh free of corruption and discrimination," said NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan during a recent program inauguration. He indicated that preparations are underway, though the details of this process are not visible externally.

Public Administration Ministry’s Senior Secretary Md Mokhles Ur Rahman also announced that government officials must submit their wealth statements to their respective ministries and departments by November 30, with annual reports to follow on December 31.

While the NBR chairman did not specify a date for action against corrupt officials, he emphasized that the process is moving forward systematically. The NBR is actively collecting data in preparation for future investigations. Failure to submit wealth statements or providing inaccurate information will result in consequences, according to the government's recently introduced format for asset declarations.

Under the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules of 1979, amended in 2002, all government employees are required to declare both movable and immovable assets upon joining the service and update their wealth statements every five years. Despite this rule being in place to curb corruption, it has largely remained unenforced.

In response to rising concerns about corruption among government employees, the interim government has reinforced the submission of annual wealth statements. On August 14, the interim government's Legal Adviser, Prof. Asif Nazrul, stated that judicial officers and their family members must submit asset declarations, including international assets, within 10 working days following Supreme Court consultations.

Widespread allegations of corruption among public servants have brought the issue of illegal wealth accumulation into focus, heightening calls for increased accountability.

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