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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 47210, member: 636"] Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed refused to meet with protesting tax officials Sunday afternoon. The planned 4 pm discussion between Ahmed and the NBR Reform Unity Council never happened. Ahmed demanded protesters end their demonstrations before any talks could begin. A 20-person group led by Hasan Muhammad Tareq Rikabdar learned about this requirement as they traveled to the meeting. The finance ministry confirmed Ahmed would not negotiate until protests stopped. Tax officials continued their second day of complete work stoppage at the National Board of Revenue headquarters. The protesters sat outside the Agargaon building demanding their chairman step down immediately. Heavy security surrounded the area as Rapid Action Battalion, Border Guard Bangladesh and police forces remained inside. Workers have refused to perform duties since early June through hunger strikes and demonstrations. Their actions have shut down tax collection, VAT processing and customs operations across Bangladesh. The Unity Council accuses current leadership of administrative problems and blocking reform efforts. Officials claim the chairman intimidates workers and prevents positive changes. Protests erupted after the government issued new rules on May 12 that eliminated the NBR and Internal Resources Division. The decree created two new departments called the Revenue Policy Division and Revenue Management Division. Demonstrators want major structural changes and new leadership before returning to work. [/QUOTE]

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