KATHMANDU. Bangladesh’s largest port resumed operations on Monday after customs officials called off a strike that had disrupted the export and import of goods for about 48 hours.
Sehela Siddique, Joint Commissioner of Taxes and Secretary of the NBR Reforms Integration Council, confirmed that activities have resumed at Chittagong and all other ports.
“The ports are now fully operational and functioning across the country,” Siddique said, adding that “all employees have returned to work.” A section of employees at the country’s tax collection authority, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), have been protesting for more than a month against the interim government’s move to reform the agency.
The government’s proposal involves abolishing the NBR and establishing two separate bodies to formulate tax policy and control tax collection. Over the weekend, some NBR employees began a “complete strike,” halting work in various departments, including customs.
The workers resumed work after the government threatened strict action. The standoff ended on Sunday night after hours of intense talks between NBR employees and the Finance Ministry, mediated by business groups.
Senior NBR official Hassan Muhammad Tariq Rikabdar said the strike was called off after the government made a positive commitment.
“We welcome the government’s decision to form an advisory committee to reform revenue management and look forward to actively participating in the process,” he told reporters on Sunday night. Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation against six NBR officials, including Rikabdar, for amassing illegal assets. They are accused of aiding tax evaders in exchange for bribes. “Based on substantiated allegations, the ACC has initiated an investigation,” ACC Director General MD Akhtar Hossain said.
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