An inter-ministerial committee has requested trade organisations to provide details on the economic losses caused by the shutdown of National Board of Revenue (NBR) operations following protests against the government’s ordinance dividing NBR into two separate divisions.
According to a letter signed by Syed Rabiul Islam, Joint Secretary of the Internal Resources Division and the committee’s convenor, the committee aims to determine the economic damage caused by the shutdown of Customs, VAT, and Income Tax departments. The letter, dated 6 August 2025, was sent to the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and other business associations.
The letter outlines a structured format in which businesses must report the nature of their business, the type of damage, and the financial losses incurred, to be submitted by 21 August 2025.
The shutdown occurred in response to the government’s decision in May 2025 to issue an ordinance splitting NBR into two divisions—Revenue Policy and Revenue Management. This led to widespread opposition from NBR employees, culminating in strikes and a complete shutdown of customs operations. The shutdown severely disrupted import clearance, exports, and business operations. Importers were unable to clear raw materials and finished goods from ports, and exporters faced delays in shipments. Revenue collection was significantly impacted.
Following the protests, the government stated it would amend the ordinance. On 22 May, a statement from the Ministry of Finance confirmed that necessary revisions would be made to the ordinance, and all NBR operations would continue under the existing structure until the amendments were finalised.
The committee will assess the economic damage caused by the shutdown, including the losses in revenue collection, customs, excise, VAT, and tax operations, as well as the effects on import-export activities at land and sea ports. The committee has 30 days to submit its report.
The committee was formed by the Ministry of Finance and includes representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, Chittagong Port Authority, NBR, BGMEA, and FBCCI. The report will quantify the financial losses resulting from the two-day shutdown at the Chittagong Customs House and the broader impact of the ongoing protests.