Bangladesh orders striking tax officials back to work; port operations hindered
'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 said, without giving details of what such measures might entail.
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.
The protests began after the government issued an order on May 12 dissolving the NBR and creating new revenue divisions. The government has said the changes are needed to modernise and streamline revenue collection, reduce overlaps, and improve efficiency.
But many officials in the department fear job insecurity and a loss of institutional independence and are demanding reforms in the new structure and the resignation of the NBR chairman. They launched a full nationwide shutdown on Saturday to press their demands.
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 forced then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India, has faced growing discontent in recent weeks.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
an hour ago
- Reuters
Bumble beats second-quarter revenue estimates
Aug 6 (Reuters) - Bumble (BMBL.O), opens new tab on Wednesday posted second-quarter revenue above Wall Street estimates, as the dating app begins to bear early fruits from its turnaround efforts. The company posted second quarter revenue of $248 million, compared with analysts' average estimate of $245.1 million, according to data compiled by LSEG.
Reuters
6 hours ago
- Reuters
Shopify delivers upbeat revenue forecast on resilient demand, shares surge
Aug 6 (Reuters) - Shopify on Wednesday forecast upbeat quarterly revenue, saying there was no slowdown in consumer demand yet and sellers on its platform are holding up well under tariff pressures, sending its shares soaring 20%. The Canadian company's ( opens new tab, merchant base has been resilient through early August after showing steady growth in the April-June period, powering a 31% surge in its second-quarter revenue. Shopify's results assuaged some investor concerns over President Donald Trump's shifting trade policies that have left many retailers unsure about demand, production, sourcing, and the costs of running their business. "We haven't seen any drops in U.S. demand, whether inbound, outbound or local. In fact, the U.S. accelerated in the second-quarter," CFO Jeff Hoffmeister said on a post-earnings call, adding that Shopify saw growth in all merchant segments. Sellers with more than $50 million in annual gross merchandise volume (GMV) and those below $2 million were particularly strong, he said. Many merchants were also raising prices, Shopify said, without providing more details on the range of hikes. Last week, e-commerce giant Amazon (AMZN.O), opens new tab had said it was yet to see a notable rise in prices after reporting strong retail results. "The tariff situation is still playing out, there's still disruption that could happen, but I think we have a little bit more clarity into how consumers are going to react, and frankly, the lack of impact that it's going to have on Shopify," Third Bridge analyst Charlie Miner said. Shopify expects revenue to rise at a mid- to high-twenties percentage rate in the third quarter, while analysts estimated a rise of 21.54%, according to data compiled by LSEG. The company is also benefiting from its investments in artificial intelligence-powered features to help retailers with tasks such as building store websites, generating images and collating sales data.
South Wales Argus
8 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
HMRC offering up to £4,000 free to households with children
Tax-Free Childcare means working families can save up to £2,000 annually for each child up to the age of 11, and £4,000 for a disabled child up to the age of 16, when they're paying for their childcare. There are now 75,000 childcare settings accepting Tax-Free Childcare as payment including nurseries, registered childminders, holiday activity clubs and, for when school starts back in September, before and after school clubs. Are you missing out on childcare savings? 👋 Sign up for Tax-Free Childcare scheme and save up to £2,000 a year per child on approved childcare costs, including wraparound childcare. 💸 Find out more. 👇 — HM Revenue & Customs (@HMRCgovuk) August 3, 2025 Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Chief Customer Officer, says: 'Whether your child is interested in football, climbing, crafting or dance, there's a huge variety of childcare settings accepting Tax-Free Childcare. Children can learn something new and have fun with their friends while their parents save on their childcare bills. Visit to sign up today.' Families yet to sign up for Tax-Free Childcare can do it now to pay for their summer activities or start paying into it ready for breakfast and after-school clubs when the new term starts. Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it's needed. Any unused payments can be withdrawn at any time. For every £8 deposited in a Tax-Free Childcare account, the government tops it up by £2, which means parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every 3 months towards their childcare costs. Who is eligible to apply for HMRC Tax-Free Childcare? Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they: Have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they receive up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16th birthday The parent and their partner (if they have one) earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average Each earn no more than £100,000 per annum Do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers Visit to check eligibility and register for Tax-Free Childcare. Recommended reading Tax-Free Childcare can be used alongside the free childcare hours, subject to eligibility. Account holders must confirm their details are up to date every 3 months to continue receiving the government top-up. Childcare providers can also sign up for a childcare provider account via to receive payments from parents and carers via the scheme.
