The Bangladeshi government on Sunday ordered tax and customs workers to return to work immediately, bringing an abrupt end to a two-day nationwide strike that paralysed revenue operations and halted customs processing at Chittagong Port, the country’s largest trade gateway.
In a strongly worded statement, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus warned that “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 nature of these potential measures was not disclosed.
The strike, launched on Saturday, followed the government’s May 12 announcement dissolving the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and creating new revenue divisions as part of a broader plan to modernise tax collection, eliminate bureaucratic overlaps, and boost efficiency.
However, the reforms have triggered deep unease among revenue staff, who fear job insecurity and a loss of institutional autonomy. In protest, tax workers nationwide downed tools, demanding a restructuring of the new system and the resignation of the current NBR chairman.
The government responded by declaring all NBR jobs as essential services and stressing that import-export operations must continue without disruption to safeguard the fragile economy.
Business leaders have warned of severe consequences if the standoff continues, including broken supply chains, weakened revenue collection, and further damage to investor confidence, which has already been battered by recent macroeconomic instability.
The Yunus-led interim administration, which assumed office after mass student-led protests forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina into exile in India, has been grappling with growing dissent and labour unrest in recent weeks. The tax strike now adds to its mounting challenges as it seeks to stabilise the country’s economy and public institutions.
Melissa Enoch
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