Staff Correspondent

 The Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the ban on importing reconditioned electric vehicles (EVs), urging the government to reinstate conditional imports under strict technical standards and age limits.

During a human chain program organized in the capital on Saturday, leaders of the trade body expressed strong opposition to the Import Policy Order published on August 24, 2026, which completely banned the import of used and reconditioned electric vehicles. BARVIDA leaders emphasized that restricting reconditioned EVs deprives middle- and lower-middle-income consumers of accessing modern, eco-friendly automotive technology while jeopardizing the nation's target to achieve 30 percent electric vehicle adoption by 2030.

BARVIDA President highlighted that major global economies—including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, and Sri Lanka—permit the import of reconditioned EVs under defined quality control frameworks. To ensure market balance and consumer protection, BARVIDA presented an eight-point policy framework for government consideration:

Allowing the import of reconditioned EVs up to a maximum age of 5 years.

Mandating a minimum Battery State of Health (SOH) of 70 percent, alongside compulsory battery longevity certification for locally assembled, manufactured, and imported EVs.

Requiring pre-shipment physical inspection and certification by authorized international agencies prior to export.

Imposing a strict ban on importing flood-damaged, fire-affected, structurally compromised, or severely accident-damaged EVs.

Establishing a comprehensive National Battery Recycling and Safe Disposal Framework.

Continuing duty incentives to encourage genuine private investment in charging infrastructure, servicing facilities, battery diagnostics, and recycling sectors.

Rationalizing the current duty structure on electric vehicles in consultation with industry stakeholders.

Establishing a periodic policy review mechanism to re-evaluate age limits and technical conditions based on market outcomes.

BARVIDA Secretary General Reaz Rahman, former Presidents Abdul Mannan Chowdhury Khasru and Md. Habib Ullah Dawn, along with former Secretaries General Mahbubul Haq Chowdhury Babar, Mohammad Habibur Rahman, and Mohammad Shahidul Islam, attended the protest alongside general members and sector business leaders. Trade leaders affirmed that formal applications have been submitted to relevant ministries, warning of escalated programs if the restrictions are not lifted.