Importing motorbikes above 150CC objected

According to the Police Headquarters, riders’ reluctance to wear helmets, increase in the use of motorbikes in terrorism and the possibility of more road accidents are the major reasons for refusing to permit two-wheelers above 150CC. On May 15, Bangladesh Motorcycle Assemblers and Manufacturers Association (BMAMA) President Motiur Rahman sent an application to the Commerce Ministry to get permission to import motorbikes up to 165CC and spare parts for them. The application to raise the government’s existing motorbike import policy from 150CC to 165CC was made to widen the country’s shrinking motorbike market and address the user demands, the association explained. The letter also pointed out that the government has been losing a significant amount of revenue due to this import bar. According to the National Board of Revenue, motorbike import decreased from 249,464 in 2009 to 186,808 in 2012. Sources from importers said import figures for the last three years have fallen below 150,000. Consequently, when Commerce Ministry Deputy Secretary Nirod Chandra Mondol sent a letter to the Home Ministry for views on the importers’ demand, the Home Ministry asked the police department to express its views in this regard. And finally on September 21, the Police Headquarters sent its objection to raising the limit to 165CC stating that importing higher configuration motorcycles will create problems. Quoting the Import Policy Order, the Police Headquarters said importing motorbikes above 155CC and those older than three years are prohibited in Bangladesh. Additional DIG AKM Hafiz Akter said: “The police have been using 150CC motorbikes for operational purposes and so the common people should not use motorcycles of higher configuration as this might deteriorate the law enforcement situation. “Permitting higher configuration motorbikes will cause more accidents in Bangladesh as our riders, unlike in other countries, are often reluctant to use helmets.” According to the BMAMA, the country’s motorcycle market is dominated by imported vehicles up to 86% while the remaining 14% comes from local producers Walton and Runner.