Cabinet approves bill scrapping duty-free vehicle facility for MPs

The Cabinet has approved a draft law abolishing the long-standing duty-free vehicle import privilege for Members of Parliament.

The approval came at a Cabinet meeting held Thursday night (April 23) at the Sangsad Bhaban, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, according to an official press release.

Under the proposed amendment to the Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Allowances) Act, 2026, lawmakers will no longer be able to import vehicles without paying customs duties. The facility was previously allowed under the 1973 ordinance governing MPs’ remuneration and privileges.

Officials said the decision reflects current economic considerations and a broader effort to rationalise state benefits.

In the same meeting, the Cabinet also approved a major administrative restructuring plan to bring parts of the Purbachal New Town project under the jurisdiction of the Dhaka North City Corporation, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police and the Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority.

As part of the move, sections of the project area located in Narayanganj’s Rupganj and Gazipur’s Kaliganj upazilas will be incorporated into Dhaka district to improve coordination of civic services, law enforcement and infrastructure management.

The Cabinet also approved shifting National Tea Day from June 4 to May 21 in line with International Tea Day observed globally under the Food and Agriculture Organisation.

Additionally, it cleared amendments to the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Act and the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA) Act, removing existing age limits for top appointments in both bodies.

Officials said the change aims to widen the pool of experienced candidates for regulatory leadership roles.