Business leaders warn of Tk 3,000 crore daily loss as NBR shutdown begins

Speaking at a press conference at a city hotel, representatives from various export-oriented industries highlighted the severe disruptions caused by the ongoing ‘pen-down’ strike by NBR officials and staff, which began on May 14, 2025.

Mahbubur Rahman, President of ICC Bangladesh; Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury (Pervez), President of Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI); Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA); Shawkat Aziz Russell, President of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA); Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, Executive President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA); Syed Nasim Manzur, President of the Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB); and Taskin Ahmed, President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), were, among others, present at the press conference.

They said the demands of NBR officials and staff could be resolved through negotiations with the government.

Opposing the removal of the NBR Chairman, business leaders said that government officials, including those within the NBR, should not engage in movements akin to trade unions or labour organisations.

They emphasised that these institutions must act with a sense of responsibility towards the state, where export and import operations cannot be disrupted under any circumstances.

The business leaders extended their willingness to assist the government in resolving the deadlock at the revenue board, mentioning that daily disruptions from the ongoing pen-down and shutdown programmes are affecting business activities worth around Tk 3,000 crore.

They appealed to the Chief Adviser’s Office to convene an urgent meeting with the protesting officials and employees, involving the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

They called for immediate measures to ensure the “future legitimate protection” of the protesting NBR staff and to prevent further damage to the national economy.

“Our ready-made garments, leather goods, footwear, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, and plastic industries are in their peak season, preparing for the upcoming winter,” said an industry leaders.

The current paralysis at critical departments such as the Customs Bond Commissionerate and Customs Houses means we are unable to export on time. Buyers are already threatening to cancel orders and are reluctant to place new ones, they said.

The business leaders cautioned that the international export market “will not wait for Bangladesh”, warning that orders could shift to neighbouring countries, causing “irreparable damage” to the national economy.

They also highlighted the growing financial pressure on businesses, including port demurrage charges reaching four times the usual rate, which has significantly increased the overall cost of doing business, reports UNB. 

The business community urged the government to:

1. Immediately engage with protesting NBR officials to restore essential import-export operations.

2. Review the disputed ordinance through inclusive, transparent dialogue with all stakeholders, ensuring reforms reflect both international best practices and national realities.

3. Strengthen transparency and accountability across all government agencies serving the business sector.

4. Introduce time-bound reform programmes for the NBR and related bodies to boost investment and improve supply chain efficiency.