The National Board of Revenue (NBR) officials and staff have been “shut down,” and all other programs have been withdrawn by the agitated NBR Reform Unity Council.
After meeting with the nation’s leading local businesspeople at the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) conference room in Tejgaon, the capital, on Sunday night, Hasan Muhammad Tarek Rikabder, president of the NBR Reform Unity Council, provided this information.

Sunday was the second day of the ‘Complete Shutdown’ and ‘March to NBR program,’ which were part of the officials’ and workers’ continuous movement.

Hasan Muhammad Tarek Rikabder stated that, regarding the initiatives called by the NBR Reform Unity Council over the past few days and the complete shutdown occurring yesterday and today, specifically on June 28 and 29, we appreciate the efforts and discussions of the nation’s business leaders aimed at addressing the stagnant situation affecting import-export activities and the overall economy of the country.

He added that positive commitments have been made concerning certain issues during the discussions between business leaders and the Financial Advisor. Additionally, the Oikya Parishad expresses its support for the five-member advisory committee established by the government to reform the revenue system. We are hopeful to contribute to sustainable revenue reform by collaborating actively with this committee. In light of the requests from the country’s leading local business figures and to keep the import-export and supply chain functioning, as well as to serve the broader interests of the economy and the populace, the NBR Reform Oikya Parishad has decided to lift its complete shutdown. Nevertheless, our efforts and initiatives for a comprehensive and sustainable reform of the revenue system will persist as usual.

BCI President Anwar ul Alam Chowdhury remarked that the businessmen engaged with the NBR protesters throughout the day to comprehend their demands. Following that, they met with the Financial Advisor, who assured them that there was no valid reason for a shutdown. However, due to some misunderstandings, we all had to witness such a calamity.

He mentioned that the government will reconvene with NBR officials regarding the issues that are grounded in rational law. If necessary, the businessmen will facilitate mediation in this matter. The protesters have expressed their desire for a separate NBR, but it must be a well-considered reform developed through discussions with all stakeholders. The government has also assured us of its commitment to address this matter.

Among those in attendance were: Mahbubur Rahman, president of the International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh (ICCB); A. K. Azad, ICCB vice president and former president of the FBCCI; Tapan Chowdhury, former managing director of Square Pharmaceuticals and caretaker government advisor; Syed Nasim Manjur, president of the Leather Goods and Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB); Mahmud Hasan Khan, president of the BGMEA; Anwar ul Alam Chowdhury; Kamran T. Rahman, president of the Metropolitan Chamber (MCCI); Simin Rahman, vice president of the MCCI; and Taskin Ahmed, president of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI). Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, the chairman of the NBR, attended the meeting as well.