Dhaka: The Jatiya Sangsad (JS) today passed the Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Allowances) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, abolishing the provision that allowed lawmakers to import cars duty-free, in a move aimed at promoting fiscal discipline and equality. Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman moved the bill, which was passed by voice vote.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized that the existing provision was inconsistent with the commitment of Members of Parliament to serve the people and created a visible disparity between lawmakers and citizens, who are required to pay taxes. "In the current economic realities, continuation of such privileges is not appropriate. The amendment seeks to ensure austerity in public expenditure, enhance transparency and accountability, and establish fairness between elected representatives and citizens," he told the House.
He further stated that the initiative reflects the vision and policy direction of the Leader of the House to align parliamentary privileges with broader principles of equity and fiscal responsibility. The statement of objects and reasons attached to the bill highlighted that although MPs are elected with a pledge to serve the people, the provision allowing duty-free import of vehicles in their own names contradicts that commitment. It also creates an imbalance between the people, the rightful owners of the state, and their representatives.
The statement further notes that, in light of the prevailing economic situation, it has become necessary to reconsider such facilities to reduce government expenditure and strengthen accountability in public life. It also emphasizes that the amendment has been brought to ensure greater transparency and uphold the principle of equality.
Earlier, the House took the bill into immediate consideration and passed it clause by clause without any amendments. Under the proposed law, Article 3C of the Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Allowances) Order, 1973 (P.O. No. 28 of 1973) has been omitted, effectively removing the duty-free car import facility for MPs. The law will come into force immediately.
Article 3C of the Order stated that a member shall be entitled to import free of customs duty, value added tax, development surcharge, and import permit fee during the whole of their term of office, one car, jeep, or microbus of such specification, and on such conditions, as the Government may specify. It also allowed members to import another new vehicle after a period of five years under the same terms and conditions.