Dhaka, May 19 (V7N) – The NBR Reform Unity Council has temporarily withdrawn its ongoing pen-break movement, which was launched in protest against the government’s decision to abolish the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and split it into two departments.

The announcement came during a press conference held at the Revenue House in Agargaon on Monday (May 19), where Imam Ghazzali, Deputy Commissioner of Customs Cadre, stated that the decision was made following the government’s proposal for formal discussions.

“A proposal for talks has been sent on the instructions of the Chief Advisor, and a meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 3:30 pm,” Ghazzali said. “We have been informed that Financial Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed and several other members of the Advisory Council will attend the meeting. A delegation from our side will also participate.”

The NBR officials have been protesting the separation decision for nearly two weeks, staging a five-day pen-break movement, demanding the cancellation of the ordinance that would divide NBR into revenue policy and revenue management departments.

The draft ordinance, which was approved by the Advisory Council on April 17, was made public online soon after. This prompted strong resistance from income tax and customs cadre officials. Despite their objections, the interim government issued the ordinance on Monday night (May 13), intensifying the protests.

The movement leaders have reiterated their three-point demand:

  1. Immediate cancellation of the issued ordinance separating the NBR.

  2. Publication of the Revenue Reform Advisory Committee’s recommendations on a public website.

  3. Inclusive and transparent discussions involving stakeholders—such as NBR officials, businesses, civil society, and political leaders—on any proposed reforms to ensure a sustainable and effective revenue administration.

The Financial Advisor’s office proposed negotiations last Saturday in an attempt to end the deadlock.

Despite the temporary suspension of the protest, the Unity Council has made it clear that the movement may resume if the upcoming discussions fail to address their core concerns.

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