DHAKA, June 29: The interim government of Bangladesh has issued a stern warning to protesting National Board of Revenue (NBR) officials, urging them to return to work immediately and cease “illegal and destructive activities.” The warning follows a complete shutdown of customs, VAT, and income tax services for two consecutive days, excluding international passenger services. In response, the government has declared all NBR jobs—including those in customs houses, internal container depots, and bond commissionerates—as “essential services,” allowing for legal restrictions on strikes.
The protests, led by the NBR Reform Unity Council, demand the removal of the NBR chairman, an end to what they allege are retaliatory transfers, and the adoption of a long-term reform strategy based on an advisory report and a recent economic white paper. They also oppose a recent gazette notification that split the NBR into two divisions.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s office accused some officials of deliberately obstructing revenue reforms over the past two months. The strike has disrupted key trade operations, particularly in Chattogram, significantly affecting the country’s economy. The government emphasized that it will take strict action to protect national interests if officials do not comply, citing laws that allow regulation of labor actions in essential services. (PTI)
