Protests by Revenue Officials Paralyse Customs Operations, Threaten Revenue Targets

Ongoing protests by revenue officials opposing the dissolution of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) have severely disrupted customs operations across Bangladesh, sparking fears of a major impact on revenue collection.

Sources report a 50% drop in processed bills of entry, while importers struggle with delays in obtaining necessary approvals from the Customs Bond Commissionerate.

Industry leaders warn that the unrest could disrupt supply chains and cause raw material shortages in key sectors like garments.

Customs officials began daily pen-down strikes last week, now lasting six hours a day. Although essential services continue, most revenue-related activities, hearings, and VAT registrations have nearly stopped.

At the Chattogram Port, over 4,000 containers remain stuck, with bills of entry halved. Officials say operations may take several days to normalize.

Deputy Commissioner Saidul Islam said officers are extending work hours to minimize losses, but traders report rising storage and warehouse costs as goods remain uncleared.