Govt targets 30pc EVs by 2030

The government has set a target of converting at least 30 per cent of the country’s road vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030 as part of efforts to develop a sustainable and environmentally friendly transport system, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam told Parliament on Monday.

Responding to a call attention notice raised by ruling party MP Shacot Ara Akter (Reserved Women’s Seat-33), the minister said the government had adopted a range of policy measures to promote cleaner public transport, reduce carbon emissions and encourage sustainable mobility.

He said greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide released by conventional vehicles, remain a major contributor to global warming.

“As a result, countries around the world are increasingly promoting the use of electric vehicles in place of fossil fuel-powered transport,” he said.

Referring to Bangladesh’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), the minister said the country had pledged to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the transport sector by 3.4 million tonnes by 2030 through its unconditional commitment.

“To achieve this target, the government has planned to convert at least 30 per cent of the vehicles used in the road transport sector into electric motor vehicles,” he said.

Shaikh Rabiul Alam said the Road Transport and Highways Division had already formulated policies governing the registration and operation of electric vehicles.

He added that the government had approved duty-free imports of brand-new electric buses for educational institutions to encourage cleaner transport. Imports of electric buses for other purposes would be subject to a concessional customs duty of 15 per cent.

Responding to demands from lawmakers for toll exemptions on bridges, the minister said toll collection was a revenue matter under the jurisdiction of the Finance Division.

“The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges cannot unilaterally withdraw tolls on any bridge,” he said.

However, he said the government could consider toll concessions for smaller bridges through policy decisions in consultation with the Finance Division, adding that there was limited scope to suspend toll collection solely on the recommendation of an individual lawmaker.

Addressing demands for additional stops for intercity trains, the minister said railway authorities followed a specific policy in determining stoppages.

“If intercity trains stop at every location, they will lose their distinctive character and fail to serve their purpose of providing fast and efficient transportation,” he said.