Bangladesh orders striking tax officials back to work; port operations hindered

The government of Bangladesh has ordered tax and customs officials to immediately end a two-day nationwide strike that has paralysed tax operations, including customs services at the country’s key trade gateway, Chittagong Port.

In an official statement, the interim government warned that failure to return to work would prompt “strict measures” to safeguard national interests and economic stability, though no specifics were provided. Authorities emphasised that import and export activities must continue without disruption and classified all National Board of Revenue (NBR) positions as essential services.

The strike follows a May 12 government directive dissolving the NBR and replacing it with new revenue divisions aimed at modernising operations, eliminating redundancies, and increasing efficiency. However, many employees view the reforms as a threat to job security and institutional autonomy. They are calling for changes to the restructuring plan and demanding the resignation of the NBR chairman. A complete shutdown began Saturday to press these demands.

Business leaders have expressed alarm, cautioning that a prolonged standoff could destabilise supply chains, hinder tax collection, and further erode investor confidence in an already fragile economic climate.

The protests add to mounting challenges for the transitional administration of Muhammad Yunus, who took office after widespread student protests forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India.

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