PM drives locally made sports car, covered van

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has inspected modern sports cars, electric vehicles, trucks, lorries and motorcycles manufactured locally by Bangladesh Auto Industries Limited at his office in Tejgaon on Saturday morning, May 23. He test-drove a sports car and a covered van himself.

The company claims to be the country's first electric vehicle manufacturer.

Two SUVs, a covered van, a truck, an auto-rickshaw and two motorcycles were presented before the prime minister. After inspecting them, he first drove an SUV and then a covered van. A company representative briefed him on the technical aspects of the vehicles.

The manufacturer stated that their vehicles are fully battery-operated and environmentally friendly. They can run without fuel and consume comparatively less electricity. The company also claimed that efforts have been made to keep the prices within reach of ordinary people.

The prime minister assured the company that the government would cooperate in the domestic production of electric vehicles if quality and safety are ensured.

After the inspection, the prime minister discussed the marketing and future potential of EV vehicles with those concerned. The manufacturer informed that the vehicles have been built maintaining European standards and have export potential in the future.

According to the company, the SUV can travel over 450 kilometres on a single charge, and fast charging takes only half an hour. The truck and covered van can travel approximately 200 kilometres on a single charge.

Senior officials were present during the visit.