The Bangladesh government on Sunday directed tax and customs officials to immediately resume work and end a two-day nationwide strike that has crippled tax collection and disrupted customs operations at the country’s key trade gateway, Chittagong Port.
“Officials and employees must return to work at once and refrain from activities that harm national interests. Otherwise, the government will be compelled to take strict measures to protect the people and the national economy,” the statement said, without giving details of what such measures might entail.
Import-export operations must continue uninterrupted to protect the economy, the interim government of Muhammad Yunus said in a statement, adding that all jobs at the National Board of Revenue (NBR) were deemed essential services.
Tax Officials’ Protest
The protests began after the government issued an order on May 12, dissolving the NBR and creating new revenue divisions. The government has said the changes are needed to modernise and streamline revenue collection, reduce overlaps, and improve efficiency.
But many officials in the department fear job insecurity and a loss of institutional independence and are demanding reforms in the new structure and the resignation of the NBR chairman. They launched a full nationwide shutdown on Saturday to press their demands.
Business leaders have voiced concern over the situation, warning that a prolonged deadlock could severely disrupt supply chains, squeeze revenue collection, and deal another blow to investor confidence already shaken by macroeconomic pressures.
Yunus’ administration, which came to power after student-led protests forced then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India, has faced growing discontent in recent weeks.
Operations Resume
The Chittagong port resumed full operations on Monday after customs officials ended a nearly 48-hour strike that had disrupted the flow of imports and exports, according to the latest media reports.
Sehela Siddiqa, Joint Tax Commissioner and secretary of the NBR Reform Unity Council — the platform representing the protesting workers — confirmed that activities at Chittagong Port and other ports nationwide have returned to normal.
“All ports across the country are now fully operational,” Siddiqa said, adding that all employees have reported back to duty.
(With inputs from Reuters and IBNS)
