A 'complete shutdown' is underway at the National Board of Revenue (NBR), as officers and employees from across the country continue protests demanding the resignation of the chairman. Since Saturday morning (June 28), hundreds of NBR staff from various tax regions — including Dhaka and other districts — have gathered outside the NBR headquarters in Agargaon in the capital.

Protesters are staging a sit-in, chanting slogans and delivering speeches in front of the main gate, which remains closed.

Despite heavy deployment of law enforcement, including members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), police, and Coast Guard equipped with water cannons, the demonstration is continuing peacefully but defiantly.

The security forces have taken a cautious stance amid heightened tension in the area.

Some NBR staff managed to enter the building before the start of official working hours, but the vast majority have joined the protest outside, under the banner of the NBR Reforms Unity Council.

In their speeches, protest leaders accused the NBR chairman of obstructing participatory reforms and aligning with "past dictatorial practices." They vowed to continue the shutdown until he steps down.

“The chairman must go — we will not return to work until our demand is met,” said one speaker, amid chants calling for structural reforms.

On Friday (June 27), the NBR issued a stern directive, warning employees against participating in the protest and ordering them to report for duty.

However, protest leaders defied the warning and proceeded with their announced programs, including a “Complete Shutdown” and a symbolic “March to NBR.”

Employees from various NBR departments across the country are reportedly taking part in the coordinated protest action.