BARVIDA Demands Withdrawal of Ban on Used and Reconditioned EVs

The Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA) held a press conference at the Dhaka Club on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, to officially demand the immediate withdrawal of the government ban on importing used and reconditioned electric vehicles (EVs). The association's leadership gathered at the prominent venue to address the contentious policy decision and outline their strategic proposals for the sustainable growth of the country's emerging electric vehicle sector.

The controversy stems from the new import policy published on August 24, which completely banned the import of used and reconditioned electric cars into Bangladesh. According to industry stakeholders at the Dhaka Club briefing, this sudden regulatory shift threatens to stifle the nascent market just as consumer interest and global momentum toward green transportation are beginning to accelerate across the region.

Addressing the press conference, BARVIDA President Abdul Haque emphasized that the organization is not standing in opposition to government policy objectives. Instead, he articulated that the industry's demands are centered on establishing realistic, balanced, and future-oriented regulations that can support national environmental targets while maintaining economic viability for importers and consumers alike.

Elaborating on the association's constructive approach, Abdul Haque further stated that while a regulatory restriction can abruptly halt market progress, a well-crafted policy framework has the proven capacity to build and nurture a thriving industrial sector. The BARVIDA leader underscored that cooperation between the state and private stakeholders remains essential to achieving broader national goals, such as the target of reaching 30 percent electric vehicles in the motor vehicle sector by the year 2030.

To address legitimate regulatory concerns regarding safety, quality, and environmental impact, BARVIDA put forward specific operational recommendations during the Wednesday event. The association formally proposed establishing a maximum age limit of five years for the importation of used electric vehicles, alongside a mandatory minimum State of Health (SOH) of 70 percent for vehicle batteries.

The press conference was attended by several prominent figures within the automotive sector, including Abdul Mannan Chowdhury, Habibullah Don, Mahabubul Haque Chowdhury, Habibur Rahman, Shahidul Islam, Mohibul Islam, and Farid. As pressure mounts on regulatory bodies like the NBR, the association hopes these detailed proposals will prompt a reconsideration of the August 24 import policy to align with the country's long-term electric mobility aspirations.