Why are interim govt advisors misusing state vehicles?

We are all aware of the car luxury by many ministers and deputy ministers during the previous Awami League government. Despite owning expensive private cars, they would indiscriminately use government vehicles. Some ministers had been allocated three or four government cars. Not just the ministers and deputy ministers' families, but even their relatives would use these vehicles. The ministers’ flaunting of government cars during that time was widely criticized. The Awami League government’s reckless misuse and wastage of public resources generated significant public anger. This anger eventually manifested in the mass uprising.

The mass uprising gave us hope that all previous irregularities would be eliminated, and those in power would no longer misuse our resources. However, on February 4, a news report surprised us—advisors in the interim government, who took office promising overhauling the system, are now following the same path. They, too, are not adhering to the rules regarding the use of government vehicles. According to the regulations, each advisor is entitled to one government vehicle. However, some advisors, abusing their power, have taken control of three or four government cars in the name of themselves and their offices. Family members of these advisors are also riding in these vehicles. Moreover, in some cases, advisors’ personal secretaries (PS), assistant personal secretaries (APS), and public relations officers (PRO) are also using government cars.

This news not only shocks us but also deeply disappoints us. After such a bloody struggle, countless deaths, and the sacrifice of the lives of children and youth, why is this irregularity occurring in the process of building a new country? Media investigations revealed that out of the 22 advisors in the interim government, all but eight are using multiple government vehicles. Only the trade advisor, Sheikh Bashiruddin, does not use any government vehicle and instead uses a personal car for official duties. Immediately after taking office, all advisors were allocated a Toyota Hybrid Camry from the Government Transport Department (vehicle pool). They also receive a monthly allowance equivalent to 18 liters of fuel. However, investigations have shown that family members of several advisors are using expensive vehicles from various departments and organizations' projects. Multiple drivers have been assigned to drive these extra cars. As a result, each department is spending nearly a lakh of taka every month on the costs of drivers, fuel, and maintenance for these additional vehicles.

Analysts believe that, in the public's interest, the interim government should establish a practice of adhering to rules. The way the advisors are using the vehicles is in direct conflict with the core values of the anti-discrimination student movement.

When the protector becomes the predator, there is little hope left. However, we still hope that our honorable advisors will reflect on this. Considering the plight of the poor population, we expect them to prevent the massive wastage of state resources. They should use only what is necessary, but the excessive use of state resources beyond what is required, driven by their power, is in no way acceptable.