Import and export activities at the Chattogram Custom House have come to a standstill following a nationwide indefinite strike by revenue officials under the banner of the NBR Reform Unity Council.
The abrupt suspension of customs operations has severely impacted service seekers, with exporters—particularly in the apparel sector—facing the risk of heavy financial losses due to shipment delays.
A visit to the Custom House on Friday revealed empty offices and an absence of staff, with all customs procedures for both import and export suspended. Even previously cleared consignments remain stuck, as officials responsible for scanning and final release at port gates have also ceased work.
Jewel Ahmed, operations manager at Nira Fashion, expressed concern over a stalled shipment of 12 containers bound for Singapore, saying, “We don’t know how long this situation will continue.”
Pacific Jeans Managing Director Syed M Tanvir noted that while import clearance had already been disrupted in recent days, export processes had only now been halted. “This shutdown is pushing exporters toward serious financial risks,” he said.
The NBR Reform Unity Council has declared that the shutdown will persist across all tax, customs, and VAT offices nationwide, except for services involving international passengers.
As part of their protest, officials began a symbolic “Peaceful March to NBR” from offices across the country, demanding reforms including the removal of the NBR chairman and a complete structural overhaul of the revenue system.
The Council reiterated its readiness for dialogue with the finance adviser to resolve the deadlock and urged the chief adviser to intervene in the national interest. In a statement, the group emphasized that the movement is entirely non-political and driven by the spontaneous participation of revenue officials dedicated to the country’s welfare.
