Parliament abolishes duty-free car import privilege for MPs

The National Parliament has passed a bill abolishing the long-standing facility that allowed Members of Parliament (MPs) to import vehicles duty-free.

The bill was approved on Sunday after being placed in the House by Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman as an amendment to The Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Allowances) Order, 1973. 

It was passed without any amendment proposals or debate.

The cabinet had earlier approved the draft legislation at its meeting on Thursday (April 23).

With the passage of the bill, Section 3C of the existing law has been repealed. 

The section previously allowed MPs to import one car, jeep or microbus during their tenure without paying customs duty, except for development surcharge and import permit fees, subject to government conditions. 

It also permitted the import of another vehicle after five years.

During the election campaign for the 13th Parliament, candidates from various political parties had pledged to give up duty-free vehicle benefits if elected. 

Following the election, the ruling party decided in its first parliamentary party meeting not to accept duty-free cars. 

Opposition had also earlier announced that they would forego duty-free vehicles and government plot allocations.

SH