‘Return To Work At Once': Yunus Orders Bangladesh's Tax, Customs Workers To End Strikes
The Bangladesh interim government led by Muhammad Yunus on Sunday ordered the protesting tax and customs workers to return to work immediately and end their two-day nationwide strike that has brought tax operations to a standstill. Their strikes have brought tax operations to a standstill, including customs operations at major trade hub Chittagong Port, a report by news agency Reuters said.
'Officials and employees must return to work at once and refrain from activities that harm national interests. Otherwise, the government will be compelled to take strict measures to protect the people and the national economy," the statement released by his office said, without giving details of what such measures might entail.
The protests broke out after the government, on May 12, ordered the dissolution of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and announced new revenue divisions. Officials said the restructuring is aimed at modernising tax administration, removing overlaps and boosting efficiency.
But several department employees have raised concerns over job security and fear the move could undermine institutional autonomy. They have called for structural reforms and the resignation of the NBR chairman. A full nationwide shutdown began on Saturday to push their demands.
Import-export operations must continue uninterrupted to protect the economy, the interim government of Muhammad Yunus said in a statement, adding that all jobs at the National Board of Revenue (NBR) were deemed essential services.
Business leaders have voiced concern over the situation, warning that a prolonged deadlock could severely disrupt supply chains, squeeze revenue collection, and deal another blow to investor confidence already shaken by macroeconomic pressures.
Yunus' administration, which came to power after student-led protests, later hijacked by Islamists, forced then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India, has faced growing discontent in recent weeks.
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