The Bangladesh government has ordered tax and customs workers to end a two-day nationwide strike and return to work immediately on 29 June.
The strike stifled tax operations in Bangladesh, including customs operations at the major trade hub, Chittagong Port.
“Officials and employees must return to work at once and refrain from activities that harm national interests,” read a statement from Muhammad Yunus’ interim government.
“Otherwise, the government will be compelled to take strict measures to protect the people and the national economy.”
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The government statement continued to reiterate the importance of uninterrupted import-export operations to safeguard the economy, adding that all jobs at the National Board of Revenue (NBR) were deemed essential services, reported Reuters.
Protests erupted following a government order dissolving the NBR and creating new revenue divisions on 12 May.
The government defended its order by attesting that the changes are necessary to modernise and streamline revenue collection, reduce overlaps, and improve efficiency.
Despite the benefits claimed, department officials, out of fear of job insecurity and a loss of institutional independence, mobilised a nationwide strike on 28 June, while demanding reforms in the new structure alongside the resignation of the NBR chairman, reported Reuters.
The latest strike underscores mounting unrest, as the new interim government faces growing backlash over such revenue reforms.
According to Reuters, business leaders have expressed growing concern over the ongoing deadlock, warning that if it continues, it could severely disrupt supply chains, hinder revenue collection, and further erode investor confidence already weakened by macroeconomic challenges.
In recent developments, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges experienced significant disruptions due to a national strike in Belgium last week.
