The NBR Reform Unity Council has decided to suspend its planned nationwide work stoppage, following assurances from the government to meet the majority of its demands through necessary amendments to the recently issued ordinance by July 31, 2025.
A senior leader of the Unity Council confirmed the decision on Sunday evening, stating that the Ministry of Finance had formally communicated their agreement on most of the council’s demands.
"The Ministry has assured us of substantial revisions to the ordinance, and we may now suspend the movement. A detailed press release will follow," the official said.
Earlier the same day, the Ministry of Finance issued a clarification via press release, signed by its Public Relations Officer Gazi Touhidul Islam, addressing the council's concerns and outlining the government's position. It referred to an earlier press note dated May 22, which aimed to resolve uncertainties regarding the ordinance. However, the ministry acknowledged that ambiguities remained, prompting further clarification.
According to the latest statement, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) will be upgraded into an independent and specialized division under the Ministry of Finance. Additionally, the interests of both the BCS (Customs and Excise) and BCS (Taxation) cadres will be preserved during the restructuring process.
The ministry further pledged to finalize the framework for the separation of revenue policy and administration through consultations with the Revenue Reform Advisory Committee and relevant stakeholders, including civil society, professional bodies, and political representatives.
Importantly, the controversial "Revenue Policy and Revenue Administration Ordinance-2025" will not be enforced until necessary amendments are made, addressing one of the council’s key concerns.
The government expressed optimism that this announcement would alleviate concerns among officials in the customs, VAT, and income tax departments, and that all revenue offices would now resume normal operations with full momentum.
However, earlier on Sunday afternoon, the Unity Council had held a press conference at the NBR headquarters, where it announced a complete work stoppage from Monday, May 26, exempting only international passenger services and the import-export of essential medicines and life-saving goods.
During the press briefing, Joint Tax Commissioner Monalisa Shahreen Sushmita, Deputy Commissioner Abdul Kaiyum, and Deputy Commissioner Raisun Nesa reiterated their four major demands:
1. Immediate cancellation of the ordinance.
2. Immediate removal of the current NBR Chairman.
3. Public disclosure of the recommendations of the Revenue Reform Advisory Committee via official websites.
4. Comprehensive and inclusive reform of the revenue system based on stakeholder consultations, including business associations, civil society, and political leadership.
The council also expressed concern over the role of the current NBR Chairman, alleging non-cooperation and obstruction of constructive dialogue. They accused him of past misconduct, including disrupting audit operations and destabilizing the economy through unplanned VAT rate hikes.
Despite these allegations, the Unity Council stated that the government’s written assurances and commitment to dialogue have provided a constructive pathway forward.
They reaffirmed their hope that the upcoming reforms will lead to a sustainable and inclusive revenue policy framework, aligning with international best practices and the broader interests of the country.
