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Published : 24 Apr 2026, 01:35 AM
The Cabinet has given both principle the final approval to a draft law abolishing the duty-free car import privilege for members of parliament
It was approved under the proposed “Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Allowances) (Amendment) Act 2026” at a meeting, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, held around 8:30pm on Thursday.
A media statement from the Cabinet Division said MPs currently enjoy the facility of importing cars duty-free, but in light of prevailing economic realities, the privilege will now be withdrawn under the amended law.
The meeting also approved several administrative decisions, including bringing the Purbachal New Town project under Dhaka’s administrative framework, revising the date of National Tea Day, and removing age limits for senior posts in two regulatory bodies.
According to the statement, the Purbachal project spans three districts, but administrative fragmentation has hampered policing and local service delivery, including public safety and access to utilities.
It added that since the area is outside any city corporation, residents are unable to access water utility services.
“For ensuring a livable environment in the project area, inclusion under Dhaka North City Corporation is necessary. At the same time, to ensure public safety, it is essential to bring the area under Dhaka Metropolitan Police,” it said.
The cabinet also approved shifting National Tea Day from Jun 4 to May 21, aligning it with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s observance of International Tea Day.
Separately, it approved scrapping age-related provisions for the chairman and commissioners of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission, and similar clauses for the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority.
Officials said age limits can restrict the appointment of experienced professionals to top regulatory positions.
