Written by The Banking Post
In response to mounting concerns over disruptions in revenue collection and trade activities, the government has constituted a nine-member inter-ministerial committee to assess the financial and economic losses resulting from the ongoing strike by officials of the Customs, VAT, and Income Tax departments under the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
According to an official order issued recently, the committee will evaluate the impact of the prolonged work abstention on government revenue, customs clearance processes, tax administration, and the overall economy. The move comes amid growing criticism from the business community and trade bodies regarding the paralysis of key economic functions due to the months-long work stoppage.
The committee is chaired by Syed Robiul Islam, Joint Secretary of the Internal Resources Division (IRD), under the Ministry of Finance. It includes representatives from the Finance Division, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industries, Ministry of Shipping (Chattogram Port Authority), National Board of Revenue (NBR), Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). The Deputy Secretary (Administration-1) of the IRD will serve as the member secretary.
Three Key Mandates
The committee has been given a 30-day deadline to submit its findings and recommendations to the government. It has been tasked with three primary objectives:
- Quantifying Revenue Loss from Chattogram Customs Closure:
The committee will first assess the direct revenue losses incurred during the two-day complete shutdown of the Chattogram Customs House on June 28–29, 2025, which was among the most critical disruptions during the strike. - Evaluating Nationwide Revenue Shortfall:
It will then analyze the total revenue shortfall caused by the two-month-long strike that affected operations at various revenue offices across the country, including customs houses, VAT circles, bond commissionerates, tax zones, and appellate tribunals. - Assessing Broader Economic Impact:
Finally, the committee will study the macro-economic implications of the strike, particularly its effects on import-export activities at major land ports, river ports, and sea ports, as well as on the industrial and commercial sectors that rely heavily on uninterrupted customs and tax services.
Business Sector Expresses Deep Concern
The strike, which has been ongoing in various forms since late May 2025, has drawn sharp criticism from the country’s business community. Leaders of industry, particularly from the export-oriented sectors, have warned that the disruption in customs and VAT processing is already leading to delays in raw material imports, halted production cycles, and missed export deadlines.
“We are already seeing containers stuck at ports, leading to shipment delays and loss of buyers’ confidence,” said a senior official from the BGMEA. “If this continues, the consequences for our economy will be severe.”
The FBCCI also echoed similar concerns, calling for an immediate resolution and urging the government to ensure that essential economic functions are not held hostage by internal administrative disputes.
Background of the Strike
Revenue officials under the NBR initiated the strike in protest of certain government decisions, including proposed changes in administrative control, alleged bureaucratic interference, and dissatisfaction with staffing and benefit structures. While the government has held several rounds of discussions, a conclusive resolution remains elusive, prompting growing concern over the impact on fiscal performance and trade facilitation.
What Lies Ahead
The findings of the newly formed committee are expected to influence both policy responses and possible disciplinary or legal actions. Analysts believe that the report could lead to significant changes in the oversight and operational frameworks of revenue departments, especially in terms of balancing institutional autonomy with national economic imperatives.
With the economy already facing headwinds from global inflation, reduced foreign exchange reserves, and a widening budget deficit, policymakers are under pressure to restore full functionality to the revenue collection apparatus.
