Dr. Md. Shahe Alam, former chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and currently serving as special assistant to the chief adviser, has sparked a fresh debate by stating that gifts received from satisfied contractors should not be classified as bribes.
Context of the Remarks
According to a report by New Age, Shahe Alam made these comments during a recent discussion. He argued that if a contractor offers a gift as an expression of satisfaction with a completed job, it does not fall under the definition of bribery. His statement has added a new dimension to the ongoing discourse on corruption in the country.The Walton Gift Connection
In a separate report published the same day, New Age reported that electronics company Walton has gifted its products to an individual named Shatarupa from Khulna. Whether Shahe Alam's remarks are directly linked to this gifting incident remains unclear. However, his comments have brought the practice of gift-giving by contractors and suppliers under renewed scrutiny.Reactions and Controversy
The former NBR chief's remarks have drawn mixed reactions on social media. Critics argue that such statements could potentially encourage corrupt practices, while supporters claim he is merely highlighting ground realities.No further elaboration from Shahe Alam has been received on this matter so far. However, it is anticipated that his comments may prompt discussions at higher levels of the government.