The NBR Reform Unity Council on Sunday withdrew its previously announced full-fledged strike and welcomed the government's announcement that all necessary amendments to the Revenue Policy and Administration Reform Ordinance, 2025, will be made by July 31, reports UNB.
The announcement came after the clarification of the Finance Ministry, which clearly stated that the NBR will not be dissolved but strengthened as an independent and specialised department under the Ministry of Finance.
"A specialised institution will be formed for revenue policy formulation, and the existing ordinance will not be implemented until the necessary amendments are made," the Council said in a statement issued on Sunday night.
"We welcome the government's commitment to sustainable revenue reform through discussions with the NBR, the Revenue Reform Advisory Committee, and key stakeholders. We believe this marks the beginning of Bangladesh's journey toward establishing an internationally benchmarked, independent, and empowered revenue agency," the statement reads.
The Council said this declaration from the government proves the legitimacy of their long-standing demands and programmes.
However, it noted that their second demand—immediate removal of the current NBR Chairman—remains unmet.
"We hope the government will soon make a positive decision in favour of this demand. Meanwhile, the previously announced non-cooperation movement with the current NBR Chairman will continue as declared," said the statement of the Council.
"With everyone's support, we are confident that a sustainable and people-oriented revenue system will be built in this country," it added.
The Council also recalled its earlier commitment to the nation, "We had promised that if our demands were fulfilled, we would work beyond office hours to clear any backlogs."
"In line with that commitment, we now announce that additional work beyond regular office hours will begin as needed," the statement said.
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