Import and export activities across the country have been severely disrupted due to an ongoing strike called by the NBR Reform Unity Council, resulting in an estimated revenue loss of around Tk 10,000 crore over the last nine days.
Although certain areas such as export services have officially been exempted from the strike, stakeholders report that disruptions are still being felt across all sectors. Income tax returns, customs clearance, and Value Added Tax (VAT) collection have all been delayed, further straining the government's already struggling revenue system.
In the first half of the 2024-25 fiscal year (July-December), the National Board of Revenue (NBR) collected Tk 57,724 crore less than the same period last year-a shortfall of nearly 25 percent. Against a revenue target of Tk 3,22,151 crore up to March 2025, only Tk 2,56,486 crore has been collected so far.
According to official statistics, the NBR collected Tk 35,010 crore in May 2023-averaging Tk 1,130 crore per day. With no significant growth in collection this May and persistent disruptions, the estimated daily loss stands at Tk 1,130 crore. Over the past nine days alone, that amounts to a loss nearing Tk 10,000 crore.
Sources within the NBR confirm that while officials are pressing on with their protest to realize a set of demands, the business community is bearing the brunt of the fallout. Several business leaders have urged the government to initiate urgent dialogue with tax and customs cadre officials to resolve the deadlock and address their "just demands."
Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry has announced that implementation of the newly issued Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance, 2025 will proceed only after necessary amendments are made to the Allocation of Business Rules, Income Tax Act, Customs Act, VAT Act, and associated regulations. These amendments, the Ministry stated on Thursday, are time-consuming and must be completed before the new ordinance can come into effect. Therefore, there is currently no plan to dismantle the NBR.
The NBR Reform Unity Council held a meeting with Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed on Thursday, but later termed the discussions unsuccessful. Following this, striking officials announced a non-cooperation movement starting Wednesday and called for a complete shutdown of operations at all tax, customs, and VAT offices from Saturday through Monday. Customs houses and land customs stations, however, will remain exempt.
They also warned that if their demands are not met by May 26, all NBR activities-except those related to international passenger services-will come to a halt. For the past week, NBR officers have been observing five-hour work stoppages each day. A memorandum outlining their demands has been submitted to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
The protesting officials have also demanded the removal of NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan.
Experts warn that if the strike continues, the consequences for imports, exports, public revenue, and future investments could be severe.
Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), commented: "Dividing the NBR into two bodies was the right move-it was even recommended in our white paper. But the way it was executed lacked proper consultation, reduced professional autonomy, and left key stakeholders out of the discussion. That must be rectified now."
Professor Abu Ahmed, economist and Director at the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB), echoed concerns: "The strike is undoubtedly hampering revenue collection. Senior government officials should not have resorted to such measures. Unfortunately, the revenue lost during this period cannot be recovered."
Former BGMEA president Quazi Moniruzzaman highlighted the impact on the garment industry: "If Chattogram Port does not operate 24 hours, we cannot ensure timely payment of wages and allowances for garment workers, especially with Eid approaching. Currently, imported raw materials from China are taking 18 days to reach Dhaka, up from 14. How can we run our businesses under such conditions?"
He urged the government to carry out reforms without crippling the country's industries, warning that containers might pile up on roads, exports would halt, and employers would face liquidity crises before Eid.
Former President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Abul Kashem Khan, stated: "Revenue is a crucial driver of the economy. Resorting to strikes is not the solution. Customs and tax officials should pursue dialogue, not hold the economy hostage."
Abdullah Hil Rakib, former senior vice-president of BGMEA, told The Daily Observer: "Although exports are technically outside the strike's scope, the indirect effects are considerable. Delays in releasing raw materials are driving up production costs and lead times. This could damage our image in the global export market."
He urged the government to resolve the impasse through immediate dialogue.
The final quarter of the fiscal year is typically a peak period for revenue collection. So far, only 53 percent of the total revenue target has been met in the first nine months. The remaining 47 percent must be collected between April and June. While April showed slight improvement, officials themselves are concerned about possible negative growth this month due to the strike.
The government abolished the NBR on May 12 by ordinance and established two new departments-'Revenue Policy' and 'Revenue Management.' This decision, made 25 days after the Advisory Council approved the draft on April 17, has triggered fierce opposition from NBR officials and staff across Customs, VAT, and Income Tax departments, who have now launched this widespread movement in protest.
