Complete NBR shutdown halts customs operations, Chattogram Port paralysed

Operations at the Custom House, Chattogram (CHC), the country's largest customs station, have come to a complete halt as customs officials began a total work abstention today (28 June), paralysing import and export activities at the port.

As part of the shutdown programme enforced by National Board of Revenue (NBR) officials under the banner of NBR Reform Unity Parishad, all branches of the customs house remain non-operational, with customs officers absent from duty.

A CHC official, seeking anonymity, said, "Although there had been some disruption due to partial work stoppages earlier, some work was still carried out after hours. However, since today's full shutdown, no officer is working. Those who are present are also not performing any duties."

Customs clearance for consignments has come to a standstill.

Rezaul Karim Swapan, customs affairs secretary of the Chattogram Custom Agent Association, told The Business Standard, "No work is being done due to the customs officers' complete shutdown. We had already notified our officers and staff about this.

"As a result, C&F agent workers have not come to the Custom House. Work has also been suspended at several depots due to the absence of customs officials."

Private container depot operators also reported that container scanning activities at Chattogram Port were suspended from 6am today. As a result, no import goods have been released from the port, and gate-in and gate-out operations for export and import containers remain halted.

Imran Fahim Noor, managing director of Vertice Logistics, a private container depot, said, "Due to the complete shutdown by customs officials, the activities of private depots have practically come to a stop. Staff from the port's gate division and scanning department are also not working."

Expressing frustration, he added, "Such a programme by those responsible for policymaking is deeply regrettable. Port operations already suffer due to strikes and protests by workers.

"Now, such action by NBR officials is a worrying sign for the country's economy."

The shutdown is part of a broader programme by NBR officers and employees, who are demanding the removal of the NBR chairman and addressing other issues.

Alongside the work abstention, officials have launched a "March to NBR" initiative, drawing participation from tax, customs, and VAT officers from Dhaka and beyond.

While Saturdays are typically public holidays and VAT and tax offices remain closed, partial port operations continue to support exports and the import of essential goods. 

However, since today marks the last Saturday of the current fiscal year, offices were supposed to remain open – an earlier decision meant to ensure smooth operations. But due to the complete shutdown, these activities will now be suspended.