The finance ministry last week sent the proposal of his appointment to the prime minister for her approval.

In his concluding speech in the budget session on June 28, Finance Minister Saifur Rahman told the House that the ombudsman would be appointed within three days of the passage of the national budget, which was passed the next day.

After parliament passed the tax ombudsman bill in July last year in a bid to curb the corruption of the tax collectors, the government was looking for a suitable person to carry out the responsibilities, sources said.

Sources said the government is likely to commission Khairuzzaman to the post due to his commendable efforts as the NBR chairman in taking stern actions against tax officials and taxpayers indulging in tax evasion activities.

The ombudsman will enjoy the status and privileges equal to that of a High Court judge and will also have his own office.

The Comptroller and Auditor General's (CAG) office in Kakrail may be selected as the ombudsman office, but it has not yet been finalised.

It is presumed that the government would appoint a secretary from either planning, commerce or energy division to the post of the NBR chairman.