TI Bangladesh Questions Excessive Enthusiasm for Luxury Cars for Newly Appointed Ministers

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has raised concerns over the Public Administration Ministry’s eagerness to purchase luxury vehicles at inflated prices for ministers of the newly elected government, despite the Finance Ministry cancelling a similar proposal earlier. TIB emphasises that it is crucial to investigate the reasons behind such procurement proposals.

According to TIB, the new proposal to purchase the vehicles at a higher price than the previously cancelled attempt resembles the favouritism and indulgence of a certain class of bureaucrats during the previous government’s tenure.

On Wednesday, 17 September 2025, Dr Iftikharuzzaman, Executive Director of TIB, stated: “Under Section 6(A) of the Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers (Remuneration and Privileges) Act, 1973, a minister is entitled to a government-provided car for official use. It is unclear why the Public Administration Ministry is suddenly so eager to purchase luxury vehicles such as Toyota Land Cruisers for future ministers, potentially outside the legal framework. The government should investigate the reasons behind this enthusiasm.”

Dr Iftikharuzzaman further questioned the logic behind the proposal, stating that if an interim government approves such purchases, it would raise serious questions regarding the rationale. He asked:

• How did the government ensure that ministers of the next administration would accept this decision?
• Why is the government contravening its own cost-cutting principles by following such an extravagant path?
• Does this action conflict with the government’s commitment to establishing a responsible and accountable administration?

Key Concerns Highlighted by TIB

Dr Iftikharuzzaman criticised the argument that current vehicles are insufficient for constituency travel, describing it as astonishing. He stated that the proposal, driven by overzealous senior bureaucrats, is unnecessary and unacceptable, representing a disappointing continuation of the previous government’s preferential practices.

He demanded the immediate cancellation of the proposal and urged that the matter be suspended for consideration by the incoming government.

This development highlights ongoing concerns over excessive spending and bureaucratic influence, prompting calls for greater transparency, accountability, and adherence to legal provisions in government procurement decisions.