From Our Correspondent, Chattogram: As part of the pre-announced program by the NBR Reform Unity Council, customs officers and staff working in the Gate and Scanning sections of the CPA have refrained from all routine activities. As a result, import and export operations have come to a standstill. Since Saturday morning, export-import vehicles have been unable to complete gate-in and gate-out procedures, rendering the entire port virtually non-functional.
This suspension of regular duties by customs personnel stems from the ongoing protest movement declared by the NBR Reform Unity Council. In response to a press release issued by the office of the Finance Advisor on Friday, the Council issued a statement expressing dissatisfaction over being excluded from a meeting on NBR reforms. Consequently, they declared a complete shutdown of all offices under the tax, customs, and VAT departments starting Saturday.
In a joint statement signed by Council President Hasan Muhammad Tarek Rikabdar and General Secretary Sehela Siddika, it was stated that international passenger services will remain outside the scope of this shutdown. Simultaneously, a nationwide “Peaceful March to NBR” program will also commence today.
The statement further mentioned that the Council is prepared to sit for dialogue at any time to discuss demands related to structural reforms of the NBR and the removal of the current NBR Chairman. In the greater interest of the nation, they urged the Chief Advisor to intervene and resolve the ongoing crisis.
They emphasized that the movement is entirely non-political and is being conducted in the national interest. The Council claims that officers and employees from all levels of the NBR are spontaneously participating in this peaceful protest to achieve their legitimate demands.
Meanwhile, the ongoing deadlock at the port has severely disrupted the supply chain for both export-oriented industries and import-dependent businesses. Cargo deliveries are on hold, bringing foreign trade activities to a halt. Traders are also facing quadrupled port rent or demurrage costs. Business representatives have warned that failure to resolve the issue promptly could have a negative impact on the national economy.
Since July last year, port operations and the country’s foreign trade have been affected by a series of disruptions, including anti-discrimination student protests, natural disasters, and various programs by public and private organizations. Adding to this, the current pen-down strike by customs officials in protest against the proposed abolition of the NBR is further paralyzing normal port functions.
