Ctg custom house pen-down strike continues for 5th day
Despite their presence at the office, officials are refraining from performing any duties, leaving the country's largest customs station effectively inoperative
The pen-down strike at the Custom House, Chattogram entered its fifth consecutive day today (19 May), as officials continued to protest against the government's plan to restructure the National Board of Revenue (NBR) by creating two new departments — the Revenue Policy Division and the Revenue Administration Division.
The strike, part of a nationwide program organised by the NBR Reform Unity Council, began at 9am and will continue until 3pm.
"Customs officials are refraining from work until 3pm as part of the scheduled protest. Limited efforts are being made to handle pending tasks after 3pm," said Saidul Islam, deputy commissioner and spokesperson of Custom House, Chattogram.
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ASM Rezaul Karim (Swapan), secretary for Customs Affairs at the Chattogram Customs Agents Association, added, "Customs clearance and assessment work remain suspended from morning until 3pm, although some tasks are being addressed afterward."
Despite their presence at the office, officials are refraining from performing any duties, leaving the country's largest customs station effectively inoperative.
Customs, VAT, and tax offices across the country — including all tax zones, VAT commissionerates, and customs stations — are participating in the protest.
The officials are also demanding sustainable and meaningful reforms to the revenue system.
As a result of the strike, clearance of import and export goods at the Custom House, Chattogram has come to a halt, causing significant disruption to businesses.
Importers and exporters are reportedly facing severe difficulties due to the backlog.
According to Custom House, Chattogram sources, the office typically processes around 7,000 documents daily, including 2,000 bills of entry for imports and 5,000 bills of export for outbound shipments. All such activities have been suspended due to the ongoing work stoppage.
The pen-down strike was also observed on the previous working days, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
