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The government has set a target of making 30% of Bangladesh’s road transport fleet electric by 2030 as part of its strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable transportation.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam announced the target in Parliament on Monday while responding to a question from a ruling party lawmaker.
The minister said the government is implementing a series of policy measures to shift the transport sector toward cleaner energy, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and build an environmentally sustainable transport system.
He noted that carbon dioxide emissions from road vehicles are a major contributor to global warming, making the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) an important national priority.
Under Bangladesh’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the country has committed to unconditionally reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the transport sector by 3.4 million tonnes by 2030.
The goal of converting 30% of road vehicles to electric power is a key part of that commitment.
To facilitate the transition, the Road Transport and Highways Division has already formulated policies governing the registration and operation of electric vehicles.
The minister said the government has also approved duty-free imports of fully electric buses for educational institutions.
Imports of electric buses for other purposes will be subject to a concessional 15% import duty to encourage wider adoption.
Responding to lawmakers’ demands regarding bridge tolls, Rabiul Alam said toll rates fall under the jurisdiction of the Finance Division, meaning the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry cannot unilaterally waive them.
He added that toll concessions for smaller bridges could be considered through policy decisions in consultation with the Finance Division, but toll collection cannot be suspended solely on the recommendation of individual lawmakers.
Addressing calls for additional stoppages of intercity trains, the minister said the existing policy is intended to preserve the speed and efficiency of intercity rail services.
“Allowing intercity trains to stop at every station would compromise their fast-service character and defeat the purpose of rapid travel,” he said.
