Pen-down strike over NBR abolition: Trade comes to a standstill, urgent resolution demanded
Delays in goods clearance and transportation have led to severe congestion at ports, affecting the government's revenue collection and foreign exchange earnings, says FBCCFAA in a statement
The pen-down strikes over the recent abolishment of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the creation of two new divisions — 'Revenue Policy' and 'Revenue Management' — through a government ordinance have led to widespread disruption in the country's import-export trade.
This situation has drawn strong concern from the Federation of Bangladesh Customs Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association (FBCCFAA), which is calling for immediate discussions with all stakeholders to find a practical and urgent solution.
In a press release signed by FBCCFAA President Md Mizanur Rahman and Secretary General SM Saiful Alam, the organisation expressed deep concern over the disruption caused by the abrupt transition, which they say was implemented without any consultation with stakeholders.
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According to the statement, regular activities at customs offices and ports have been severely hampered for the last four days of the pen down strike observed by the NBR officials. It caused irreparable financial losses to importers, exporters, and other stakeholders in the trade sector.
The statement highlights that the government's revenue collection and foreign exchange earnings are also adversely affected. Delays in goods clearance and transportation have led to severe congestion at ports, disrupting essential services.
Particularly alarming is the obstruction in the supply of raw materials to export-oriented industries, with some factories reportedly on the verge of closure, reads the release.
The FBCCFAA further warned that the ongoing paralysis is not only costing the government billions in lost revenue but also reducing the market supply of goods, contributing to rising prices.
Additionally, the situation is threatening the livelihoods of thousands employed in import-export businesses, posing a significant threat to the country's overall economic stability.
Calling C&F agents a key pillar of the national economy, the association urged the government to take swift action and engage all stakeholders in discussions to devise a practical, inclusive, and sustainable solution to the crisis.
The federation also cautioned that if the deadlock persists, it could trigger instability across the country.
