NBR orders transfer of ex-MPs' 31 duty-free cars to for official use

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has directed that 31 luxury vehicles, imported by members of the now-defunct 12th Jatiya Sangsad, be transferred to the Government Transport Department under the Ministry of Public Administration for public use.

The directive, issued on Wednesday (November 12), stated that some MPs had imported the cars under special duty-free facilities.

After the dissolution of the parliament, NBR clarified on December 8, 2024, that the duty-free privileges were no longer valid. Since importers did not pay the applicable duties and taxes, the vehicles remained uncleared.

Under Section 94(3) of the Customs Act 2023, the cars were slated for auction. However, no buyers came forward with acceptable bids due to their high value. After an inter-ministerial discussion, it was decided to hand the vehicles over to the Government Transport Department.

The total unpaid duties and taxes on the 31 cars amount to approximately BDT 269.62 crore, with the highest single vehicle duty at BDT 9.45 crore and the lowest at BDT 8.63 crore.

NBR noted that if the importers settle the applicable duties in the future, the cars can be released to them after official valuation, and the government department will return the vehicles.

An NBR official said the cars will now be used as government property in the public interest, while legal responsibilities of the importers remain intact.