Nationwide Import-Export Activities Suspended Amidst Complete Shutdown

Amid a growing wave of protest, officials and employees of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) continue their demonstrations for a second consecutive day, demanding the resignation of the NBR Chairman and a participatory reform in the country’s revenue sector.

As a result of a “complete shutdown” called by the NBR Reform Unity Council, all customs activities and import-export operations across the country have come to a halt, severely disrupting national and international trade.

📉 Key Shutdown Effects

🗣️ Statements from Stakeholders

📌 SM Saiful Alam

President, C&F Agents Association

“Import-export through Benapole-Petrapole has been suspended. Hundreds of cargo trucks are currently stranded on both the Indian and Bangladeshi sides of the border.”

📌 Omar Faruk

Secretary, Chattogram Port Authority

“Due to the shutdown, vessels are leaving Chattogram Port without export containers. As of now, 17 container ships are awaiting clearance at the port.”

📌 Labour Representatives at Bhomra

“At least 500 trucks are stuck between the Bhomra Land Port in Bangladesh and Ghojadanga Land Port in India due to the suspension of customs operations.”

🔒 Scope of the Shutdown

The complete shutdown has paralysed operations at:

• NBR Headquarters, Dhaka
• Chattogram Customs House
• Benapole Land Port
• Sonamasjid Land Port
• Dhaka Customs House
• All inland customs stations and revenue points nationwide

This marks the second consecutive day that Chattogram Customs House has remained fully shut down, with no customs clearance of import-export consignments.

⚠️ Economic Implications

• Severe disruption in cross-border trade with India
• Congestion at all major ports
• Estimated financial losses mounting in both private and public sectors
• Delayed shipment of essential goods, impacting supply chains

The ongoing protest reflects mounting tensions within the revenue administration and has triggered a logistical standstill across the nation. Observers warn that unless the demands are addressed promptly, the impasse may deepen and result in long-term commercial consequences.