After a week of protests demanding the removal of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) chairman, including pen-down strikes, sit-ins, and a two-day complete shutdown, NBR officials and staff have returned to work across the country.
On Monday, the NBR chairman, Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, confirmed that operations had resumed at all tax, VAT, and customs offices nationwide.
He stated that feedback from both the media and the business community indicated that customs houses were fully operational and functioning smoothly.
The government began taking a firmer stance on Sunday, the second day of the complete shutdown.
Declaring NBR services as “essential,” authorities issued strong warnings for striking officers to return to work.
Amid the standoff, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) announced investigations into alleged corruption involving six protesting NBR officials.
On the same day, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed declined to meet with the striking officials, citing the ongoing shutdown as a reason for his unwillingness to negotiate.
In response to the growing crisis, the government announced the formation of an advisory committee comprising five advisers to help mediate a solution.
Later, following a series of discussions between Finance Adviser Salehuddin and leaders from several major business associations, a breakthrough was reached.
Based on assurances provided during the meeting, and with mediation by business leaders, the NBR Reform Unity Council agreed to withdraw their shutdown program and return to their duties.
