NN Online:
The NBR Reform Unity Council on Sunday called off its previously declared indefinite strike after receiving a formal assurance from the government that necessary amendments to the Revenue Policy and Administration Reform Ordinance, 2025, will be made by July 31.
The Council welcomed a clarification from the Ministry of Finance, which confirmed that the National Board of Revenue (NBR) would not be dissolved. Instead, it will be restructured as an independent and specialized department under the Finance Ministry.
“A dedicated institution will be established to formulate revenue policies, and the proposed ordinance will not be enforced until all necessary changes are incorporated,” the Council said in a statement issued Sunday night.
The statement praised the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable reform. “We appreciate the government’s willingness to engage in discussions with the NBR, the Revenue Reform Advisory Committee, and other key stakeholders. We believe this is a significant step towards building an internationally aligned, independent, and empowered revenue authority in Bangladesh.”
The Council noted that the government’s declaration validates the legitimacy of its long-standing demands and protest programmes.
However, the Council emphasized that its second key demand—the immediate removal of the current NBR Chairman—remains unresolved.
“We hope the government will soon take a positive step in this regard,” the statement read. “Until then, our previously announced non-cooperation movement with the NBR Chairman will continue.”
Reaffirming its commitment to the nation, the Council also declared that it would now begin working beyond office hours to reduce administrative backlogs.
“We had pledged to the people that if our demands were met, we would contribute extra hours to clear any pending work. In keeping with that promise, we are initiating after-hours efforts wherever necessary,” the Council stated.
The statement concluded with a message of optimism: “With everyone’s cooperation, we are confident that a sustainable and people-friendly revenue system will be established in Bangladesh.”
