DHAKA, February 20, 2017 — The World Bank Group today issued the following statement from Qimiao Fan, World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal
“The World Bank is fully cooperating with the National Board of Revenues (NBR) and Customs Intelligence & Investigation Directorate (CIID) to address the issue of the outstanding passbooks. In response to the CIID’s letter dated 15.2.2017, we have met with CIID and provided detailed information on the 16 passbooks and shared vehicle transfer documents of 11 vehicles, including NBR’s permission and custom clearance to transfer vehicle to another privileged person. In December 2016 and January 2017, the World Bank returned 35 passbooks including 9 mentioned in the CIID’s letter. We have sought clarification on one name, which is not in our staff directory. Today, we have arranged returning of two vehicles, whose transfers are under process after the respective World Bank Group staff either left the country or the World Bank Group. The World Bank is committed and will continue to fully cooperate with the NBR and CIID to address any non-compliance issue. We are also reviewing the administrative procedures of the World Bank Dhaka Office to ensure full compliance with national law and regulations.”
