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BARVIDA urges government to restore import facility for used, reconditioned EVs

Published : Wednesday, 9 September, 2026 at 5:01 PM

Observer Special Correspondent

The Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA) has urged the government to restore the facility to import used and reconditioned electric vehicles (EVs), arguing that the recent ban is against consumer interests and could adversely affect the economy and government revenue.

BARVIDA President Abdul Haque made the demand at a press conference held at Dhaka Club in the capital on Wednesday (September 9). He warned that the association would take to the streets if necessary to press home its demand.

“The import order for these vehicles must be restored. This issue concerns the interests of the people,” Haque said.

He questioned the rationale behind restricting used and reconditioned EVs from Japan when such vehicles are being exported to 71 countries, including the United Kingdom.

Haque said similar concerns had been raised when reconditioned hybrid vehicles were first introduced in Bangladesh. However, hybrid vehicles have since gained widespread acceptance and now account for a major share of vehicles in the country's market.

He argued that Japanese reconditioned EVs should also be considered safe because they come with manufacturer-backed guarantees and undergo established inspection procedures. He further claimed that EV batteries could remain operational for 15-16 years, depending on usage and maintenance.

According to Haque, 29,349 electric vehicles were imported from Japan last year. He said BARVIDA members were willing to contribute to the national exchequer through duties and taxes while providing consumers with more affordable environmentally friendly vehicles.

“We want to do this business in the public interest and contribute revenue to the government,” he said, alleging that some business groups were seeking to create a monopoly in the automobile sector by promoting only new vehicles.

Haque said BARVIDA was making the demand in cooperation with the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), urging the government to reconsider the policy in the interest of consumers.

Former BARVIDA President Abdul Mannan Chowdhury said the import of EVs should not be prohibited to protect the interests of a particular group.

“We have discussed the matter with the Ministry of Commerce, but our concerns were not taken into consideration,” he said, alleging that the decision was made without adequate consultation with stakeholders.

BARVIDA Secretary General Reazur Rahman said the association also supports the government's goal of building a “Green Bangladesh.”

“We also want a Green Bangladesh. But used and reconditioned electric vehicles should not be completely banned,” he said, arguing that Bangladesh should follow the example of developed countries where Japanese EVs are already being used.

The association called on the government to reconsider the prohibition and introduce a regulated import framework that would ensure vehicle safety, battery quality, environmental compliance and consumer protection while allowing people greater access to affordable electric mobility.

BARVIDA leaders said they would continue discussions with the government and other stakeholders but warned that they would launch programmes, including street protests, if their demands were not addressed.

-SA

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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

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