New Cars and Houses Planned for Future Government Ministers – Preparation Begins Before Election

Although the date for the next national election is yet to be fixed, the Ministry of Public Administration has already started preparing to buy new cars and arrange housing for future ministers and top officials. Meetings are planned, and surveys have been conducted to arrange everything in advance for Future Government Ministers. This comes despite earlier proposals being rejected due to financial constraints.

New Cars Planned for Next Government Ministers

Even though the schedule for the upcoming national elections is not confirmed, the Ministry of Public Administration has started the process of buying new vehicles for future ministers, state ministers, deputy ministers, advisors, and others of similar rank.

A meeting will be held on Wednesday, chaired by Senior Secretary Mokhlesur Rahman. Officials from the Prime Advisor’s Office, Finance Ministry, and other departments will attend.

Election Likely Between February and April 2026

Sources from the interim government have indicated that the national election might be held between February and April 2026. Some advisors have told the media that the Chief Advisor will soon announce the specific date.

“আগামী বছরের ফেব্রুয়ারি মাসে নির্বাচন হওয়ার সম্ভাবনা রয়েছে। এই সম্ভাবনা মাথায় রেখে নতুন সরকারের মন্ত্রী ও উচ্চপর্যায়ের কর্মকর্তাদের জন্য এখন থেকেই গাড়ি কেনার প্রস্তুতি নেওয়া হচ্ছে।”
Translation: “There is a possibility of elections in February next year. Keeping that in mind, we are starting preparations to buy cars for ministers and top-level officials of the new government.”

This information was shared by a senior public administration official who preferred to remain anonymous.

Long Process Requires Early Planning

The car procurement process takes time. It requires approvals from the Economic Affairs Advisor Committee and then the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase. That’s why steps are being taken early.

New Houses Also Being Searched for Ministers

Along with car purchases, the Ministry of Housing and Public Works has begun looking for suitable houses in Dhaka for the future government ministers.

A high-level committee from the ministry has visited several areas and submitted a report on 20 July, suggesting suitable accommodation for the upcoming government’s leadership.

Previous Car Purchase Plan Was Rejected

Back in May, the ministry had prepared a proposal to purchase 25 cars for use by advisors and ministers. However, the Economic Affairs Advisory Committee, led by Finance Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed, did not approve the proposal and returned it.

Who Manages the Vehicles?

The Government Transport Pool, under the Public Administration Ministry, manages the purchase and maintenance of government vehicles. Cars for ministers and state ministers are supplied based on the Cabinet Division’s demand.

“মন্ত্রী-প্রতিমন্ত্রীরা একটি নতুন গাড়ি কত দিন ব্যবহার করবেন, সে বিষয়ে সুনির্দিষ্ট কোনো আইন ও বিধান নেই।”
Translation: “There is no specific law or rule about how long ministers or state ministers can use a car.”

This was said by an official from the Government Transport Department. He also added that:

“২০১৬ সালের পর মন্ত্রী-প্রতিমন্ত্রীদের জন্য নতুন কোনো গাড়ি কেনা হয়নি।”
Translation: “No new cars have been purchased for ministers or state ministers since 2016.”

The current cars are about 9 years old and are also being used by members of the advisory council.

Past High-End Vehicle Proposals

Before the 2024 elections, a proposal was made to purchase:

20 Mercedes-Benz cars (each costing about 3.5 crore taka) for the Prime Minister, President, and foreign delegates.
50 Toyota Camry Hybrid sedans (each priced around 1.05 crore taka) for cabinet members.

However, the Finance Ministry rejected the proposal due to foreign currency reserve issues and a cost-saving policy.