Dhaka, Sept 18 (V7N) – Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has raised questions over the Ministry of Public Administration’s renewed move to purchase luxury vehicles at inflated prices for future ministers, even after the Ministry of Finance scrapped a similar proposal earlier. TIB described the move as “unjustified, unacceptable, and indicative of vested interests” and urged an immediate probe into the ministry’s unusual enthusiasm for such procurement.
 
In a statement issued on Wednesday, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “The decision to buy these vehicles based on the recommendations of a group of overzealous, self-serving officials is unwarranted and unacceptable. It reflects the continuation of a culture of patronage and opportunism that became normalized under the previous government, and it now risks being perpetuated as a disgraceful and self-destructive example.”
 
He further demanded that the proposal to purchase luxury vehicles for future ministers be scrapped, calling it an ill-conceived decision that contradicts the government’s own cost-cutting measures.
 
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman noted that under the law, each minister is already entitled to use an official vehicle, just as current advisers and previous ministers have done. He questioned why the Ministry of Public Administration is so eager, in violation of regulations, to purchase high-end Toyota Land Cruisers for future ministers.
 
“Even if the interim government approves the purchase, the next elected government’s ministers may reject it,” he cautioned, adding, “Why is the government pursuing such contradictory and irresponsible expenditure when it has already pledged austerity? Does this not reflect inconsistency in a government committed to accountability and institutional reform? Who will take responsibility for this decision?”
 
TIB has called for full transparency and accountability regarding the proposed procurement.
 
END/RKB/SMA/