Dhaka, September 17, 2025:
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has raised serious concerns over the Ministry of Public Administration’s renewed initiative to purchase luxury Toyota Land Cruisers for ministers of the next elected government — even after the Ministry of Finance rejected a similar proposal earlier amid public criticism.
TIB described the move as a disgraceful repetition of authoritarian-era bureaucratic behavior, where officials sought to curry favor with political leaders. The anti-graft watchdog also called for an investigation into the reasons behind what it termed “over-enthusiasm” in this procurement process.
In a statement on Wednesday, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “The privileges a minister can enjoy, including transport facilities, are clearly stated in Section 6(a) of The Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers (Remuneration and Privileges) Act, 1973. By law, a minister is entitled to use one government car at all times. Past ministers — and currently, advisers — are already using cars. So why is the Ministry of Public Administration suddenly so desperate, in violation of the law, to buy luxury Toyota Land Cruisers for future ministers? It is beyond comprehension. We urge the government to investigate the reasons behind this interest.”
He further warned that if the interim government approves the purchase, questions will arise about the justification for such prioritization. “Why is the government taking a contradictory path that goes against its own policy of cost-cutting? Would this not be considered a contradictory act by a government committed to accountability and state reform? Who within the government will take responsibility for this decision?” he asked.
Media reports suggest that unused luxury cars imported duty-free for MPs of the 12th National Parliament are available at lower prices. The justification for the new purchase — that existing cars are inadequate for constituency visits and urgent work — was described by Dr. Iftekharuzzaman as “truly astonishing.”
Calling the proposal “undesirable and unacceptable,” TIB said it reflects a continuation of bureaucratic patronage culture normalized under the previous regime. “We strongly demand that this reckless and sycophantic decision be withdrawn immediately and kept pending for the next government to decide,” Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said.
