The Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicle Importers and Dealers Association (Barvida) has expressed its anger over the decision to discriminate against the import policy.
The organization has taken the final decision to take to the streets as it imposes a ban on importing used or reconditioned electric cars in the new policy without any discussion with stakeholders and businessmen. The Barvida leadership has called for an unprecedented all-out standoff across the country on September 17th, expressing anger against the decision.
According to Barvida’s responsible leaders, the reconditioned motor vehicle sector has been one of the toughest pillars of the country’s economy and revenue sector for years. However, the discriminatory steps taken by the policymakers without fully overshauling the reality and the opinion of the businessmen are destroying the entire automobile industry. Md Abdul Awal, Publication and Publicity Secretary of the organization, made it clear that the purchasing power of the general buyers and the revenue of the government are directly dependent on the automobile policy. As a result, it was reasonable to sit at the table with the traders without imposing a single decision.
The Barvida’s ‘Crysis Management Committee’, which is formed to demand the withdrawal of the decision of the Ministry of Commerce, has already successfully concluded the special general meeting, human chain and press conference. However, with a tougher stance, it has been decided to close all showrooms across the country on Thursday, September 17th. On the same day, no vehicle registration will be done in the BRTA and all activities of car redemption from the port, including e-payment, will be completely suspended.
The traders made it clear that if the government’s policymakers do not immediately negotiate with the businessmen and amend the controversial policy, the protest will spread like wildfire. At the same time, the policymakers have to take all the responsibility of creating a long-term impasse in the country’s transport market.
Abu Hossain Bhuiyan (Ranu), a former director of Auto Plus, Barvida and FBCCI, said, “Our Japanese reconditions stopped our reconditioned electric cars in the import policy policy on August 24th. This is for the benefit of one party. Why this discrimination. Because the market is the buyer’s. Buy what the customer chooses to do. The Japanese car is durable and even after thirty years, the resale value of this car remains good. Now it is seen in various cases that the EV car, which is called an electric car, means that the government is bringing brand new to the market. What’s the size of this car? Because the parts are not available. And our Japanese car parts are available everywhere in the country.
“If the government does this to give opportunities to a party, I would say it is discriminatory. We need a level playing field. Japanese people are looking for a Japanese car. With a variety of issues in the field of vehicles, we see that this reconditioning Japanese car is the only way to make people’s access to the transport world. The children are cooperating in various activities, including transportation in schools and colleges.
He said that the import policy of the Ministry of Commerce cannot be withdrawn
Of course, it’s a chance to import Japanese EVs.
He said that this government is a business-friendly government. This government has taken an oath of development in the country. The government wants everyone to get jobs. At the moment, the Japanese recondition stops the import of EV cars, so where will our employees go?
I would like to see an opportunity to withdraw this import policy of the Japanese EV. He urged the government to take action soon. It is important to consider the fact that customers can buy their cars.
Businessmen Habibullah Don and Riaz Rahman, two of the top leaders of Barvida, have condemned the decision, protesting against the ban on importing Japanese reconditioned electric cars in the new import policy announced on August 24. According to them, the market should be run based on the buyer’s demand. The Japanese reconditioned cars used for a long time in the country are extremely durable, the resale price is good and its spare parts are also available across the country. It plays an important role in the transportation system of the country and the daily movement of the common people.
On the other hand, the traders demanded equal opportunity to ensure equal opportunities (level playing field), questioning how durable the new electric vehicle (EV) is currently available and how its parts are available. They warned that if the business is stopped, a large number of employees will be threatened. Therefore, he urged the government to withdraw the decision of the import policy and protect the interests of both the buyers and businessmen through discussion with the businessmen.