Desk Report,
Committee formed to assess revenue losses due to NBR strike and shutdown
An inter-ministerial committee has been formed to assess the economic losses caused by the work stoppage and shutdown program of the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
Committee formed to assess revenue losses due to NBR strike and shutdown
The committee was formed on Wednesday by an order of the Internal Resources Department (IRD). The nine-member committee, convened by IRD Joint Secretary Syed Rabiul Islam, includes representatives from the Finance Department, Commerce Ministry, Industries Ministry, Shipping Ministry, NBR, IRD, traders’ organization FBCCI and BGMEA.
The scope of work of this committee is to assess the revenue loss due to the closure of the Chittagong Custom House office on June 28 and 29, to assess the revenue loss in all Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerates, Custom House, Customs Bond Commissionerates and other departments and tax offices due to the two-month-long program of the employees of the Customs, VAT and Tax Department, and to assess the economic loss to the country, including the loss in customs operations and import-export activities at all land ports and sea ports due to the implementation of this program. The report must be submitted within the next 30 days. On May 12, an ordinance was issued to abolish the NBR and create two departments – Revenue Policy and Revenue Management. Since then, NBR officials and employees have been protesting for about two months demanding rational reforms based on the opinions of all parties.
They stopped work across the country on June 28 and 29. Then they withdrew the movement with the mediation of the businessmen. Then punitive measures were taken. So far, three members and one commissioner have been sent on compulsory retirement after the withdrawal of the movement. So far, 18 officials and employees have been temporarily suspended. In addition, the ACC has started an investigation against 16 officials, including 2 members of the NBR. Most of them were involved in the movement.
