Members of parliament are committed to not taking tax-free cars and government plots, Hasnat Abdullah, lawmaker for Cumilla-4, told the National Parliament on Wednesday, while alleging that some media outlets had published “baseless” reports misrepresenting his earlier statement.
“All members of this parliament are firm in their position not to take such benefits,” Hasnat said during the parliamentary session. “However, a statement regarding the use of government cars was misrepresented in the media on Tuesday.”
“I want to make it clear that the members of this parliament are committed to not taking tax-free cars and government plots. Our position on this remains unwavering. A precedent has already been set in this regard,” he said.
The lawmaker further explained that while performing their duties, MPs wish to use a car solely for official work, just like other administrative officials.
“Just as Deputy Commissioners, Zilla Parishad Chairmen, or UNOs use cars during their tenure, we wish to use a car for work purposes while we are MPs. However, after ceasing to be an MP, that facility will not be enjoyed by anyone,” he said.
Following Hasnat’s statement, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed further clarified the matter.
“There is a clear position that no elected member of the National Parliament will take government plots or cars as personal benefits. There is no room for confusion here,” the Speaker said.
