NN Online:
The interim government on Sunday issued a stern warning to protesting officials and employees of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), stating it will be “compelled to act tough” if they do not return to work immediately.
In a statement from the Chief Adviser’s press wing, the government urged NBR personnel to end their illegal and disruptive activities, emphasizing the need to protect the economy and public interest. “We hope they will resume duties without delay. Otherwise, we will be forced to take strict measures,” the statement read.
The government clarified that the restructuring of the NBR was undertaken in consultation with all relevant stakeholders to address persistent weaknesses in the revenue system.
To ensure uninterrupted trade and revenue operations, all jobs within customs houses, ICDs, bond commissionerates, and customs stations under NBR have been declared ‘Essential Services’.
Bangladesh’s primary obstacle to executing development-focused budgets is its weak revenue collection framework. The statement cited inefficiencies, irregularities, and corruption as key reasons for the revenue shortfall, which remains well below national requirements.
The interim government also voiced serious concern over efforts by a section of NBR staff to obstruct the ongoing reforms. “For the past two months, under the guise of a movement, they have disrupted trade, imports, exports, and revenue operations, inflicting public hardship. These actions are unacceptable,” it said.
The statement accused the agitators of deliberately harming revenue collection during the crucial final months of the fiscal year and described the protest as “pre-planned and ill-intentioned,” posing a threat to national interests and citizens’ rights.
While the government reaffirmed its openness to dialogue and had announced its willingness to consider the demands of NBR staff, it noted that protest leaders rejected the offer and continued their rigid stance, harming the economy rather than seeking a constructive resolution.
