The NBR Reform Unity Council on Saturday dismissed the claims of any compromise with the Office of the Finance Adviser over ongoing revenue sector reforms, asserting that no agreement was reached during the Thursday’s [May 22] meeting.

In a statement, this unity council said the subsequent press release suggesting National Board of Revenue (NBR) would not be abolished until the issuance of an ordinance, saying it created ‘unnecessary confusion’ among the public, particularly within the media community.

Citing Section 1(2) of the promulgated ordinance, the unity council argued that the NBR must be abolished until the government gazette notification is issued to operationalize the ordinance.

The statement outlined four key demands, immediate repeal of the promulgated ordinance, removal of NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan, public disclosure of the consultative explanation proposal on revenue reform, inclusive discussions on the proposed reform draft involving all stakeholders, government bodies, civil society and relevant empowered members.

“We need to ensure a proper and sustainable revenue system,” the council said in the statement.

They claimed that their demands are very logical in the larger interest for the country, as acknowledged by country’s leading economists, think tanks and other experts. “We want a fundamental reform of the NBR and the reform we want will be similar to the best system and method recognised in the international arena,” it added.

The council also expressed concern that the proposed reforms should not serve the interests of any specific group under the guise of national security, stating, “Country and its development plan will be accurately reflected; the revenue power will be more effective, progressive and corruption-free and the reform will not be a tool of special security interests.”

NBR officials go on full-fledged countrywide strike

The statement questioned why the government has yet to respond clearly to their four-point demand, adding, “….and due to whose instigation, we are being opposed.”

As the government has not yet given a clear answer to their above four specific demands, according to the statement, their previously announced program of action will remain unchanged.

On May 25 (Sunday) they called for a full-day strike at all Income Tax, Customs, and VAT offices, excluding Customs House and LC from 9am to 5pm. Export and international services will remain exempt from the strike.

Besides, they announced for a full-day strike at all offices on May 26 (Monday) except international services under the International Member.

The unity council has called upon all officers and employees from all tax, customs and VAT-related departments in Dhaka to gather at the NBR premises at 9am on both days.

The statement also noted a heightened security presence at the NBR building on Saturday morning, including police, BGB, and RAB personnel, raising concerns among Council members, stating, “We have a question in our minds about this.”