BARVIDA Calls for Unified Policy for Auto Imports and Industry Growth
The Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA) has urged the government to formulate a unified policy aligned with the country’s overall automobile import business and the Automobile Industry Development Policy.
The call was made at BARVIDA’s annual general meeting, according to a press release issued on Wednesday, 10 December. Nearly 550 members attended the meeting, which was presided over by BARVIDA President Abdul Haque. Secretary General Riaz Rahman, vice presidents, former presidents, and executive members were also present at the 32nd AGM.
During the meeting, BARVIDA leaders highlighted the contribution of the reconditioned vehicle import sector to the national socio-economic landscape—particularly in terms of local investment, large-scale employment generation, backward linkage industries, and government revenue.
The BARVIDA President said that for four decades, the association has been supplying high-quality vehicles equipped with modern technologies, contributing significantly to the country’s transport sector. Vehicles imported by BARVIDA are Japanese domestic models that meet the needs and preferences of most individuals and institutions in Bangladesh. He described the reconditioned car import business as a “social business,” not merely a profit-driven venture.
He added that recent retaliatory tariffs imposed by the U.S. administration on various countries have altered global trade dynamics, prompting many nations to adopt new strategies. Investment and industries are shifting. With China’s rising influence and expanding manufacturing capacity, geopolitical considerations are evolving. In this context, he said, Bangladesh must make geo-strategic decisions with utmost caution, prioritizing national interest and regional stability.
Abdul Haque further noted that rapid advancements in research and technological innovation are transforming the global automobile manufacturing and marketing industry. Sales of renowned global brands such as Mercedes and BMW are declining as consumers’ purchasing power, preferences, and needs continue to shift. Meanwhile, rising environmental awareness is boosting global demand for energy-efficient electric vehicles. Many countries are gradually transitioning from fossil fuel and hybrid vehicles to EVs. The Bangladesh government has also introduced the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Policy 2025 to support the growth of the EV sector.
He said that lower duties and taxes on EVs will put BARVIDA’s imported hybrid vehicles in a competitive position. Therefore, considering the contributions of the reconditioned car import sector—local investment, employment, backward linkage industries, and revenue—the government should adopt an integrated policy that maintains balance while fostering the growth of the automobile industry.
BARVIDA currently has more than 1,300 members. Local investment in the reconditioned vehicle import and marketing sector amounts to several thousand crore taka. After remaining largely inactive for nearly 60 years, Mongla Port was revitalized in 2009 when BARVIDA members began importing vehicles through the port at the government’s request. The initiative transformed Mongla into a functional and significant revenue source, for which the then government formally recognized BARVIDA's contribution.
DBTech/Press Release/EK/OR
