NBR 'complete shutdown' continues for 2nd consecutive day

The ongoing protest by officials and employees of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) entered its second day on Sunday (June 29), as they continued their 'complete shutdown' programme demanding the removal of Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan.

Under the banner of the NBR Reform Oikya Parishad, the protesters gathered in front of the NBR headquarters in Agargaon in the morning. Security around the premises has been heightened with heavy deployment of RAB, BGB, and police personnel to maintain order.

The demonstrators insist that meaningful reforms in the revenue sector are not possible under the current leadership. "Some members have presented proposals to resolve the crisis, and there may be discussions with the financial advisor in the afternoon," said Sehela Siddika, Secretary General of the Oikya Parishad.

In a statement issued on Saturday (June 29), the protesters confirmed the continuation of the shutdown into Sunday but announced that international passenger services would remain exempt from the programme.

The movement stems from opposition to a government ordinance issued on May 12, which outlines the dissolution of the NBR and its Internal Revenue Department to establish a new Revenue Policy and Management Department. Since then, officials have staged a series of work stoppages and demonstrations, affecting operations at tax, VAT, and customs offices nationwide.