Editorial
PM's 'no' to duty-free cars for ministers
We read a sign of wider austerity into the approach
PRIME Minister Sheikh Hasina has been forthright in her rejection of the cabinet colleagues' demand that they be given the privilege of importing duty-free cars. It is patently unreasonable when they get official transports befitting their positions and functions.
They are perceived to be driven by the thought of material acquisition, not any principle, when they asked for a privilege in addition to perks and privileges they already have. As high elected functionaries of the government, if anything, they are only expected to be alive to public sensibilities and set examples of austerity and sacrifice.
The ministers cannot be unmindful of the fact that it is the government which is deprived of revenue when duty-free luxury cars are imported, apart from the prodigality of it in the public eye. Their argument that they too are lawmakers and, as such, entitled to the privilege is not tenable for two reasons. First, the very high position of the ministers and the costs involved in terms of their other perks and privileges should oblige them to conduct themselves impeccably in every sense of the term. Secondly, the decision to give the privilege of duty-free cars to MPs in itself has not be above criticism. The whole idea is incongruous with what is generally thought to be fair and just.
The ministers may perhaps look around to see for themselves how their counterparts in neighbouring India are traveling in economy class. Their perks and allowances have also been cut. It is worthwhile to note that the conservative government in UK is currently engaged in cost-cutting measures across the board in order to fully regain its feet after the global recession. This should be an object lesson for a country like ours, whose economy is striving for a breakthrough, primarily in the interest of the majority who are poor.
In fact, the government should go about identifying areas where it can save public money in terms of stationery, refreshment, foreign travels, including daily allowances drawn from frequent trips overseas that can be cut back in number as well as erection of costly welcome arches and decorative platforms.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. 
Related News
Why build roads through a reserved forest?
4 hour(s) ago
Editorial
An alarming report on children’s exposure to climate risks
19 June 2026, 19:07 PM
Editorial
Why is safe water inaccessible for millions despite rising spending?
19 June 2026, 08:00 AM
Editorial
BB must confront bad loans’ true scale
18 June 2026, 18:38 PM
Editorial
Dolphin deaths must be investigated
18 June 2026, 08:00 AM
Editorial
Comments