Protesting NBR officials observe work abstention

Protesting officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) began a work abstention across the country today, pressing a four-point demand that includes the repeal of the tax reform ordinance, which dissolves the revenue board.

The work abstention started after the platform NBR Reform Unity Council rejected the finance ministry's promise that it would amend the ordinance.

Since morning, officials and staff of all tax zones, customs houses, and VAT commissionerates in Dhaka and outside the capital have been abstaining from work to realise their demands, which also include turning the NBR into a separate and specialised agency instead of dissolving the entity.

They were seen chanting slogans and holding placards, while law enforcement personnel took precautionary positions at the protest site.

Officials said similar demonstrations are being held at NBR offices across the country.

No work, except for export-related activities and services for international passengers, is being carried out at customs houses. Officials at the field offices of VAT and taxes are also abstaining from work, they added.

This is the eighth day of protests by the NBR officials after the interim government, on May 12, issued the Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance that seeks to form two divisions – one for tax policy and the other for revenue collection.

While the government argues that the structural overhaul is aimed at preventing conflicts of interest between policymaking and implementation, revenue officials claim that provisions of the ordinance are discriminatory.

The protest resumed by the end of last week after failed negotiations between the officials and the government, which has been disrupting imports, tax-related activities, and revenue collection, exacerbating concerns over the NBR's ability to meet its fiscal year targets.

On Thursday, the finance ministry backtracked from its earlier stance and said it would bring "required amendments" to the new ordinance.

The protesting employees welcomed the government's announcement in a statement late Thursday, but said the move did not address their key demands.