Bangladesh prohibits port operations and requires striking tax collectors to return to work

The government of Bangladesh ordered tax and customs employees to resume work immediately on Sunday, ending a two-day statewide protest that has halted customs and tax operations at Chittagong Port, a vital hub for trade.

“Workers and officials must immediately resume their duties and abstain from actions that jeopardize the interests of the country. The statement stated, without providing specifics, that “if not, the government will be forced to take strict measures to protect the people and the national economy.”

According to a statement from Muhammad Yunus’s interim government, all positions at the National Board of Revenue (NBR) were considered important functions, and import-export activities must continue unhindered to safeguard the economy.

Following the government’s May 12 decision abolishing the NBR and establishing new revenue divisions, the protests started. The government claims that in order to improve efficiency, minimize overlaps, and modernize and streamline revenue collection, the adjustments are necessary.

However, a number of department personnel are calling for changes to the new structure and the resignation of the NBR chairman because they fear institutional independence and job instability. On Saturday, they pressed their demands by starting a complete statewide shutdown.

Concerns about the situation have been raised by business leaders, who caution that a protracted impasse may seriously damage supply chains, make it more difficult to collect taxes, and further erode investor confidence already damaged by macroeconomic pressures.

Discontent has grown in recent weeks under Yunus’ administration, which took office after student-led rallies drove then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India.