The withdrawal of the National Board of Revenue's shutdown programme has been greeted with a sigh of relief by all concerned, particularly the business community. It was businesses which suffered the most due to the two days' stoppage of export-import activities at all land and sea ports of the country. Thanks to the business leaders' mediation, the protesting NBR officials and employees under an umbrella named NBR Reform Unity Council and the government agreed to find an amicable solution to the problem arising out of the bifurcation of the apex tax body. That both the government and the strikers have found reasons to relax their rigid stance on the issue has presently saved the day for all stake-holders but this may not guarantee a permanent solution unless the NBR side finds logic in the proposed separation of the organisation. 

However, averting a collapse of the country's entire gamut of international trade is enough achievement. Opening the avenue for further negotiations now keeps the option clear for appreciating the split of the NBR in two entities on the part of the striking officials and employees and manoeuvring by the government to accommodate suggestions or demands with merit, if any, from the revenue board. Meanwhile, the declaration of the NBR service as essential is a clear signal from the government. The five-member advisory panel formed to look into the matter and negotiate with the representatives of the protesting NBR staff will have an opportunity to review all justified demands. But there is hardly any scope for compromising the fundamental principle of dividing the body allowing one part to formulate policies and the other part assigned to the task of tax collection. Funnily, the strikers tried to mislead the public by hoisting a banner in which they claimed their protest was in the interest of the state meaning the republic and against dissolution of the unified revenue board. 

First, there is no question of dissolution of the NBR. The interim government has taken pains to streamline the body and introduce clarity in order to turn an underperforming and, to go by public complaints, corrupt government agency into a bifurcated efficient and vibrant organisation. Since there is no bar to transferring employees and officers from one organ to the other depending on their knowledge, skill, efficiency and experience, the NBR staff has little to grumble about. The problem with the entrenched interest groups is that they are reluctant to change their old ways. Self-interest is blinding for organised groups which tend to wrest as much favour as possible through arm-twisting.

The country is passing a phase of acute economic and social crises. Reportedly, the bread winners of a segment of families -- the monthly income of which is within the range of Tk12,000-20,000 -- have to invariably skip their main meal. When government officials claim their protest is to secure the interests of the state or the people, it smacks of outrageous hypocrisy. No, the NBR employees and officials or for that matter their counterparts in the secretariat have not taken up any pro-people programme, rather those are geared to advancing their narrow interests. Yawning social disparities are vitiating society at large and even the student leaders who spearheaded the July-August movement with the clarion call for establishing a discrimination-free society are found muted on the issue.