Ctg customs commissioner suspended for joining NBR officials' 'complete shutdown'

Chattogram Customs Commissioner Zakir Hossain has been suspended for allegedly disrupting customs operations by participating in the "complete shutdown" of National Board of Revenue (NBR) officials.

The suspension order was issued yesterday (1 July), signed by NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan.

According to the order, Zakir Hossain has been made an officer on special duty (OSD) and suspended pending further investigation.

The order states, "By disobeying the government's directive to keep offices open and disrupting import-export operations, he caused significant revenue losses to the state. A departmental inquiry has been initiated, and disciplinary actions will follow."

The protest by NBR officials began after the government issued an ordinance on 12 May dissolving the NBR and the Internal Resources Division, replacing them with the Revenue Policy Division and the Revenue Management Division. 

NBR officials allege that the ordinance was a strategic move to shift the authority of the revenue department under the control of the administration cadre. The protesting officials held NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan responsible and demanded his removal.

NBR staff call off protest as govt goes tough

At the peak of the movement on 28 and 29 June, all operations at customs houses, VAT offices, and income tax offices were shut down nationwide, except for essential services at airports.

Following the disruption, the government adopted a hardline stance and declared all NBR jobs as essential services. Although many officials have since returned to work under pressure, punitive actions have started to emerge.

So far, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched investigations against 11 officials in two phases, creating a new wave of concern and dissatisfaction among NBR personnel.

Sources at the NBR anticipate that more officials may face dismissal or other disciplinary measures in the coming days.