by
Dhaka, May 25, 2025 – A complete work stoppage has been declared in all tax, customs, and VAT departments starting Monday, May 26, 2025, halting all import-export activities except for international passenger services and the import-export of medicines and lifesaving equipment.
The announcement was made by the NBR Reform Unity Council during a press conference held on Sunday at the National Board of Revenue (NBR) headquarters in Dhaka.
The press conference was attended by Joint Commissioner Monalisa Shahreen Susmita, Deputy Commissioner Abdul Kaiyum, and Deputy Tax Commissioner Roisun Nesa. The council expressed regret for the temporary inconvenience caused to taxpayers and service recipients due to the strike but emphasized that this "temporary sacrifice" is aimed at serving the greater interest of the nation and ensuring sustainable reforms in the revenue system.
The council reiterated its four key demands: immediate cancellation of the issued ordinance, removal of the NBR chairman, public disclosure of the Revenue Reform Advisory Committee’s recommendations on the NBR website, and the establishment of a sustainable revenue system through consultations with relevant stakeholders, including professional organizations, business groups, civil society, and political leadership.
The council stated that the government has yet to provide a clear commitment to fulfilling these demands, leading to the continuation of their pre-announced program. They highlighted concerns about the inefficacy of the revenue model introduced through the ordinance, noting that civil society and other stakeholders have also expressed apprehension. The council urged the government to reconsider the ordinance and incorporate their experience-based observations and stakeholder opinions.
The NBR Reform Unity Council accused the NBR chairman of obstructing constructive dialogue and creating barriers to conveying the aspirations of NBR officials regarding the future revenue framework. They alleged that the chairman, a beneficiary of the previous regime, had previously disrupted the banking sector and halted critical NBR audit activities, aiding specific groups in tax evasion post-July. Additionally, they criticized the chairman for causing economic instability through an unjustified and unplanned VAT rate hike.
The council reaffirmed their demand for a strong, independent, and specialized revenue agency aligned with international best practices to enhance revenue collection. They also called for a separate, specialized revenue policy institution that prioritizes the professional expertise of tax, customs, and VAT officials while incorporating stakeholder ইনপুট
AI/MR
.webp)
.jpeg)
.jpg)
0 coment rios: