Newly elected Members of Parliament from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have decided not to accept government residential plots or duty-free cars, following their swearing-in at the Jatiya Sangsad in Dhaka.
The decision was taken at the first meeting of the BNP parliamentary party, held immediately after the oath-taking ceremony on Tuesday.
BNP media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan told reporters that the decision had been adopted unanimously. “The meeting unanimously decided that the party MPs would not take government plots and duty-free cars,” he said.
Shairul Kabir Khan added that the move was made in consideration of public expectations and political morality.
Earlier in the day, the newly elected BNP lawmakers, including party chairman Tarique Rahman, took oath as members of the 13th Parliament in accordance with the Constitution. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin administered the oath at 10:43 local time at the Oath Room of Sangsad Bhaban.
A senior BNP leader who attended the parliamentary party meeting said discussions also focused on ensuring an active presence in Parliament and taking a firm stance on issues related to public interest. The meeting emphasised maintaining political decorum, regardless of whether the party assumes a role in government or opposition.
Participants further stressed the importance of prioritising transparency and accountability in order to sustain public confidence in their leadership.
The decision to forgo official privileges is likely to be seen as a symbolic gesture by the party as it begins its new parliamentary term.
