Dissolution of NBR: Officers, employees stage pen-down strike in protest
Mass resignations occurred within the two associations representing customs and tax cadre officers
In protest against the government's ordinance to abolish the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and establish two new divisions, customs and tax cadre officers and employees at all tax, VAT, and customs offices nationwide observed a three-hour pen-down strike today (14 May).
The "NBR Reform Unity Council"—a platform formed by officials of the two cadres—announced that two more pen-down strike programmes will be held today and Saturday.
Further programmes will be announced on Saturday, said the council in a press release.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
However, the council clarified that international passenger services, export activities, and work related to national budget preparation will remain outside the purview of the protest programme.
The protesters expressed deep concern over the recently promulgated revenue ordinance, which they claim was imposed without consulting the thousands of officers and employees in the customs and taxation services, despite being key stakeholders in the reform process.
They also noted that the government-formed reform committee's recommendations have not yet been made public or subjected to any meaningful discussion.
The government issued the ordinance late Monday night, reportedly in response to demands from business communities, experts, and international development partners. The ordinance dissolved the NBR and established two separate entities—the Revenue Policy Division and the Revenue Management Division.
Customs and tax officials have voiced concerns that they are now likely to be further cornered by the admin cadre officials.
Mass resignations
In the wake of the protest, mass resignations occurred within the two associations representing customs and tax cadre officers.
A tax department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said 25 out of 41 executive committee members of the BCS Taxation Association resigned as of yesterday afternoon, citing "personal reasons."
Additionally, the vice president, general secretary, treasurer, joint secretary, and several other key members of the executive committee of the BCS Customs and VAT Association resigned from their posts.
