TDS Desk:

The cultural ministry purchased a Pajero SUV in 2015 for official use by its secretary. Although the vehicle has been in active service for eight years, the ministry has now declared it unserviceable and recently sought approval from the finance ministry to buy a replacement.

But the cultural ministry is not alone – as the interim government nears the end of its tenure, many agencies are pressing for approval to purchase or replace official vehicles, finance officials said.

They added that between July and November they received nearly 500 vehicle purchase proposals. While most sought replacements for vehicles over ten years old, some requested early replacements or new purchases.

The government has suspended allocations for all types of vehicle purchases in recent years to curb expenditure. However, replacements are still allowed for vehicles used for more than ten years, subject to approval from the finance ministry.

Officials said some agencies are trying to exploit this provision, seeking to replace vehicles used for less than ten years, while others are proposing purchases of new vehicles.

A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the ministry receives applications daily for vehicle purchases, replacements, or rentals.

“Under current rules, agencies can approve up to Tk1 lakh for vehicle repairs,” he said. “Several judges have requested additional funds, citing repair costs above the approved ceiling.”

Towfiqul Islam Khan, additional research director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue, told journalists that the government’s fiscal space is currently very limited.

“Revenue collection is lagging behind expenditure, while debt servicing has risen sharply. In such a situation, vehicle purchases must undergo strict review and be limited to essential needs,” he said.

He added that if purchases are unavoidable, agencies should opt for the most cost-effective options. “Unnecessary vehicle acquisitions should be avoided altogether.”

500 PROPOSALS IN JUL-NOV

Finance officials said the Press Information Department has sought Tk50 lakh to buy a new microbus. Gazipur City Corporation applied for approval to purchase eight vehicles from its own funds.

The city corporation said eight of its vehicles were destroyed in fires during the July uprising, and their absence is disrupting official work.

The Bangladesh Rubber Board has sought Tk70 lakh to purchase a microbus. The Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority has applied to buy an SUV and a sedan using its own funds, proposing Tk1.67 crore for the SUV and Tk44 lakh for the sedan.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has requested Tk60 lakh to purchase a microbus. The National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety Research and Training in Rajshahi has sought approval to rent one car and two microbuses. The Tourism Board has also submitted a proposal to rent a microbus.

The International Crimes Tribunal has applied to replace three Pajero SUVs, stating that all three have been in use for more than ten years. The tribunal has sought Tk5.1 crore for the replacements.