MPs' duty-free car import privilege scrapped

The facility allowing members of parliament to import cars duty-free has been abolished as part of efforts to reduce special privileges for public representatives. A bill to this effect was passed in the Jatiya Sangsad session on Sunday, April 26.

The session was presided over by Speaker Major (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. The bill was passed by voice vote.

Until now, MPs could enjoy duty and tax exemptions when importing cars from abroad. Under the new law, this facility has been completely scrapped. MPs will now have to import cars by paying the prescribed duties and taxes, like ordinary citizens.

According to those concerned, the decision was taken to cut state expenditure and reduce disparities between public representatives and the general public. Most members present in the House welcomed the move by thumping their desks.

The bill was tabled and processed by Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman. He placed the bill before parliament, after which it was approved by voice vote.

Earlier, the session of the 13th National Parliament began at 3:23 pm with a recitation from the Holy Quran. Various important bills and decisions were adopted during the day's proceedings, according to parliamentary sources.