The government formed an inter-ministerial committee on Wednesday to assess the economic losses caused by the protests and complete shutdowns of employees in the customs, VAT, and tax departments under the National Board of Revenue.
According to a notification issued by the internal resources division under the finance ministry, the committee would assess the revenue loss incurred due to the closure of the Chattogram Customs House for two days on June 28-29.
Moreover, the committee will also estimate the revenue loss caused by the protests of the employees of customs, VAT, and tax departments across the country over the past two months.
This would also include the impact on all Customs, Excise, and VAT Commissionerates, Customs Houses, Customs Bond Commissionerates, and other associated departments, including the Customs, Excise, and VAT (Appeal) Commissionerates.
The notification stated that the committee would determine the overall economic damage caused by the prolonged protests, particularly focusing on the loss of customs processing and the disruptions in import-export activities at all land and sea ports.
The committee is instructed to submit a detailed report outlining the findings within the next 30 days.
The committee named Syed Rabiul Islam, joint secretary, IRD as chairperson.
The members included representatives from the finance division, the ministry of commerce, the ministry of industries, the Chattogram Port Authority, the NBR, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, and the IRD.
A representative from the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry will serve as member secretary.
