The government has formed a five-member advisory committee to resolve the ongoing crisis spurred by protests against reforms in NBR, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said on Sunday.
The finance adviser informed reporters about the new advisory committee after a meeting with business leaders on alleviating the crisis.
The government-private sector meeting was the first on the crisis as work boycotts by NBR officials, who are protesting the latest move to split the agency, have paralysed the economy.
On Saturday, the economic crisis reached a new height as protesters halted foreign trade-related services. During the nearly two-month work boycott movement, NBR services related to international travel and global trade were exempted.
At Sunday’s meeting with finance adviser, business leaders said the halt in international trade customs services is harming Bangladesh’s reputation at the global stage and risks eroding foreign investor confidence in the country. The risks could have far-reaching long-term impact on the national economy, the business leaders warned.
A section of NBR officials have been protesting against splitting the tax regulator, a move aimed at boosting efficiency and curbing corruption at the agency.
On Sunday, the government issued a stern warning of action against the protesters unless they return to duties and help end the economic crisis. Later, the ACC also announced corruption probes have been launched against the protest leaders.
