Staff Correspondent

The interim government on Sunday warned that it would be compelled to be tough to protect the country’s economy and the interests of its people if the officials and employees of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) do not return to their work.

“We hope that the officials and employees will return to work immediately and refrain from illegal and destructive activities against national interests. Otherwise, the government will be compelled to turn tough to protect the people and the economy of the country,” said the government in a statement shared by the Chief Adviser’s press wing.

The government said it decided to restructure the NBR in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, aiming to address weaknesses in the country’s revenue management system.

The government, according to the statement, has also decided to declare all categories of jobs under customs houses, ICDs, bond commissionerates and customs stations, under the jurisdiction of the NBR, as ‘Essential Services’ to ensure uninterrupted import-export and foreign trade activities in the national interest.

Bangladesh's biggest challenge in implementing development-oriented budgetary activities is the weak revenue collection structure.

The amount of revenue collected remains significantly lower than the state’s requirements, primarily due to inefficiencies, irregularities and corruption within the revenue collection system, the government mentions.

Besides, the current interim government expressed deep concern over attempts by a ‘section of NBR officials and employees’ to obstruct the ongoing revenue reforms.

"For the past two months, in the guise of a movement, they have severely disrupted trade, imports, exports and revenue collection activities, causing widespread public suffering. Such actions are entirely unacceptable," the statement reads.

The statement further mentions that beyond resisting reforms, the agitating officials have seriously hampered revenue collection during the last two months of the fiscal year. "This so-called movement is pre-planned and ill-intentioned, posing a direct threat to national interests and the rights of citizens," it adds.

The government reiterated that it had made clear announcements to consider the demands of NBR officials and called for dialogue to resolve the crisis.

"They, however, rejected this offer and have continued to harm the economy with their rigid stance under the banner of a movement, rather than seeking an acceptable solution through discussions," said the government.