Transparency International Bangladesh Questions Reversal on Car Maintenance Cost Reduction

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has raised questions regarding the government's decision to maintain the car maintenance allowance at 50,000 Taka for top-tier government officials, including deputy secretaries. TIB believes this reversal indicates the government has succumbed to the undue influence of a select group of bureaucrats. TIB's Executive Director, Iftekharuzzaman, stated in a press release on Sunday that the organization questions why the government deviated from the Prime Minister's clear directive on this matter and what forces influenced this change. This benefit, previously intended to be reduced to 25,000 Taka and the interest-free loan facility for car purchases potentially revoked, was seen as a commendable initiative by the Prime Minister to reduce inequality and prevent the wastage of public funds. TIB views this as a situation where state decisions are being undermined by the narrow interests of beneficiaries. The organization emphasizes the need to identify the forces compelling the government to backtrack on this cost-saving policy and understand the mindset of the beneficiaries. TIB also points out that the preferential treatment for a small group of approximately 2,400 employees, while others of the same cadre and rank are excluded, creates unhealthy competition for specific positions and demotivates other officials. The organization questions the justification of continuing to provide monthly car maintenance expenses from the state treasury under such discriminatory conditions. TIB contrasts this with the Prime Minister's personal use of her vehicle and bearing her own fuel costs, questioning if beneficiaries have learned any positive lessons. Furthermore, TIB notes that while the government has approved unconditional salary increases for officials, its previous recommendation to mandate asset declarations has not been accepted, raising concerns about public service quality and corruption post-implementation of the new pay structure. Iftekharuzzaman concluded that reversing a high-level decision due to the dissatisfaction of a few privileged officials amidst a national financial crisis is not a normal demand but an act of the bureaucracy's surrender to the government.