Officers and employees of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) under the banner of the NBR Unity Council have announced a three-day work abstention starting Wednesday, protesting the government’s sudden decision to split the NBR without consulting its Reform Committee.
The protest follows the secret midnight publication of an ordinance that divides the NBR into two separate entities under the Finance Ministry—the Revenue Policy Division and the Revenue Management Division.
Officials allege that the decision ignored the recommendations of the NBR Reform Committee, formed in October last year comprising former NBR chairmen and senior members.
The Unity Council held a sit-in in front of the NBR headquarters on Tuesday afternoon, where Additional Commissioner Sadhan Kumar Kundu announced the abstention schedule: Wednesday from 10am to 1pm, and Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 3pm.
Joint Commissioners Monalisa Shahrin Susmita and Fazle Elahi also addressed the protest. NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman left the premises during the demonstration to attend another meeting.
Officials have also been demanding that admin cadre officers not be appointed under the new law.
The ordinance permits the appointment of qualified government officials—beyond revenue cadres—to lead the newly formed divisions.
According to the ordinance, the Revenue Policy Division will handle tax law formulation, rates, and appellate tribunals, while the Revenue Management Division will oversee tax enforcement and collection.
Appointments will be made from diverse professional backgrounds, including tax, economics, administration, law, audit, and statistics.
The interim government, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, approved the ordinance under Article 93 (1) of the Constitution in light of the Parliament’s dissolution. The government claims the reform will ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in revenue operations.
However, NBR staff fear marginalization and loss of influence, calling the move hasty and opaque. They have vowed to continue their protests unless their concerns are addressed.
