NBR protesters call total shutdown from 28 June, refuse to sit with adviser today

Following conflicting statements from the finance ministry and the finance adviser regarding the dissolution of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the situation has become more complex instead of moving towards a resolution.

NBR's protesting officials announced that they would not participate in the scheduled meeting with the adviser tomorrow.

They also announced a countrywide "complete shutdown" programme in all tax, VAT, and customs offices from Saturday, 28 June.
On that day, officials from all revenue offices nationwide will gather at the NBR headquarters in Dhaka.

Facing pressure from NBR officials, the government earlier partially reversed its stance and, on 25 May, announced an amendment to the ordinance that would dissolve the NBR, stating that it would instead elevate the NBR into an independent and specialised department.

However, in an interview published today, the finance adviser stated that the government would not back away from its plan to dissolve the NBR and form two separate departments.

Further intensifying tensions, after a meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Government Purchase at the Secretariat today, the finance adviser expressed suspicion that certain business beneficiaries of the previous Awami League government might be backing the ongoing NBR protests against the reforms.

Speaking to The Business Standard on condition of anonymity, a protesting tax cadre officer said the adviser's latest comments are making the situation more complicated instead of resolving it.

At a press conference yesterday, the NBR Reform Unity Parishad stated that the finance adviser's latest remarks completely contradict the finance ministry's 25 May announcement. "This clearly shows that the government remains firm in its decision to dissolve the NBR."

The NBR Reform Unity Parishad also noted, "Attempts to link such a large-scale movement to any vested group suggest a lack of understanding of the reality on the ground."

Hasan Muhammad Tareq Rikabder, president of the NBR Reform Unity Parishad, told TBS, "Let the government investigate through intelligence agencies whether we are being influenced by any business group. If such a link is found, take action."

Explaining why they would not participate in today's discussion with the adviser, the Unity Parishad said at the press conference, "The government has not formally invited any representative from the Unity Parishad to the discussion. Therefore, the Parishad will not participate."

Attempts to reach the adviser by phone were unsuccessful. However, a press release from the finance ministry yesterday stated, "The government expects that through the 26 June discussions, any misunderstandings will be resolved and necessary amendments to the ordinance can be made based on consensus by 31 July."

Experts believe the issue is being prolonged due to ego clashes.

Towfiqul Islam Khan, senior research fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), told TBS, "This issue requires an open, transparent, participatory, and multi-stakeholder consultation. The parties need to come forward with a problem-solving mindset, letting go of egos."

On 12 May, the government issued an ordinance titled "Revenue Policy and Revenue Management, 2025," dissolving the NBR. This triggered protests from all departments of the NBR as they claimed the ordinance effectively transferred NBR authorities into the hands of the administration cadre. The movement gradually gained momentum, and after threats to paralyse port operations, the government retreated.

However, fresh protests began on 23 June, as officials accused the government of releasing key protest leaders from duty, forming a review committee with "controversial" members, and denying meeting rooms for discussions. In response, NBR officers resumed their pen-down programme.