Vehicles for MPs sought to improve constituency access

National Citizen Party (NCP) lawmaker Md Abul Hasnat, popularly known as Hasnat Abdullah, has called for providing official vehicles to Members of Parliament (MPs) to improve their connection with constituents.

Raising the issue in Parliament on Tuesday, Hasnat Abdullah said that while arrangements have been made for MPs to use designated “visiting rooms” at upazila parishads, transport facilities are still lacking.

“We have been given a place to sit at every upazila parishad complex. Now, if a vehicle is arranged, it will be easier for us to reach people in our constituencies,” said the Cumilla-4 MP.

He also noted that while upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs) and upazila parishad chairmen have official vehicles, many MPs are forced to rely on rented transport, which he said is often inconvenient.

The discussion gained momentum in the House, with both ruling and opposition members reacting to the proposal. The Home Minister said the government would consider the matter in consultation with the Prime Minister, while also recalling that earlier directives discouraged tax-free vehicle privileges for MPs in line with public expectations.

Opposition members welcomed the proposal in principle, saying such demands from younger lawmakers should be taken seriously. Some lawmakers also suggested that a consensus could be reached after further discussion.

The debate highlights ongoing discussions in Parliament over balancing public expectations with lawmakers’ logistical needs in carrying out constituency duties.