From Monday, customs and tax officials and employees across the country will begin an indefinite full-day strike, running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
The strike will exclude international passenger services, as well as the import of medicines and life-saving equipment.
The strike was announced on Sunday afternoon at a press conference by leaders of the NBR Reform Unity Council, including Deputy Commissioners Abdul Kaiyum and Raisun Nesa.
Meanwhile, a day-long strike was held at the NBR headquarters in Agargaon in protest against the government`s ordinance to dissolve the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
Most customs and tax officials gathered near the main gate on the ground floor, blocking access and effectively halting NBR operations.
Similar strike actions were reported at customs stations across the country, including Chittagong Port, Benapole, and Bhomra land ports.
The movement has been ongoing under the banner of the NBR Reform Unity Council for several days.
On May 12, the government issued an ordinance abolishing the NBR and splitting it into two divisions: the Revenue Policy Division and the Revenue Management Division. Officials and employees have strongly opposed this move.
The NBR Reform Unity Council’s main demands are:
Immediate repeal of the ordinance
Removal of the NBR chairman
Publication of the revenue reform advisory committee’s recommendations on a public website
Ensuring that the proposed draft and committee recommendations are finalized after consultation with business groups, civil society, political leaders, and all stakeholders.
