BARVIDA goes on nationwide strike against EV import ban

The Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA) closed its showrooms nationwide yesterday, Thursday. The group also suspended several vehicle related services. They took this action to protest the government’s decision to ban imports of used and reconditioned electric vehicles. The organization announced this in a press release published last Wednesday.

Under this program, BARVIDA members kept their showrooms closed all day. They also stopped registering member sold vehicles through the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA). The organization halted customs duty and tax payments, e payments, and vehicle clearance from ports for imported cars. Members also displayed banners in visible spots at their showrooms as part of the protest.

BARVIDA said the earlier import policy allowed used electric vehicle imports. However, a new import policy published on August 24 fully banned imports of used and reconditioned electric vehicles. This decision will stop consumers from accessing newer vehicle technology at relatively affordable prices. New electric vehicles remain too expensive for many low income and lower middle income buyers.

Reconditioned electric vehicles could bring electric transport within reach of a much wider population, the organization said. BARVIDA argued that a larger electric vehicle market would help the government reach its 2030 target. That target aims to make electric vehicles 30 percent of the country’s total vehicles. The change could also increase government revenue from the motor vehicle sector.

The organization urged the government to lift the overall ban on importing used and reconditioned electric vehicles. It proposed allowing these imports under controlled and conditional rules instead. These rules would consider factors such as vehicle age, technical specifications, and international safety and environmental standards. BARVIDA said it hopes the government will reconsider the decision in the public interest.

The organization also issued a warning. If the government does not reconsider the ban, it will announce stricter measures. These measures would aim to protect the livelihoods and investments of businesses in the reconditioned vehicle trade, as well as the interests of consumers.