It is disheartening to know that, despite concerns from independent analysts, a controversial move to buy 261 expensive cars (SUVs) for DCs and UNOs has been approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. As we have said when it was reported last month that the finance ministry had greenlit the proposal, the Tk 381-crore procurement initiative will only add to the strain on public coffers at a time of record-high import bills and critically low forex reserves. Moreover, the latest development hasn't been announced properly, possibly fearing backlash, despite the finance ministry earlier declaring that it would hold a press briefing.

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Luxurious cars for a few, economic crisis for majority

It goes without saying that the public has a right to know the reason for such purchases using their hard-earned money. Although the finance minister did attempt a justification – that "there was already a need to buy the cars. Moreover, cars are really needed during elections, and they are needed for conducting fair elections" – we are unconvinced that this is the case. The DCs and UNOs usually serve as returning officers and assistant returning officers, respectively, during elections. In any constituency, everything related to polling basically goes through them. Thus, the latest move, coming just months ahead of a scheduled general election, has ignited fears that it was meant to please these officials and potentially impact the election outcome.

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Promotion should be earned, not gifted

If this is the case, then we have every reason to be worried. In the past weeks, we have seen similar, strategically timed provisions in the form of perks and promotions for public officials holding important positions. We have seen how demands for in-situ promotions were indulged in both BCS police and public administration cadres. While we recognise the importance of deserving officials getting what they are due, those must be a means to a greater end: public interests. And right now, the public is not best served by such initiatives.

SUVs don't help in elections. If a fair election is indeed what the government wants, it must ensure neutrality of election officials and transparency in the electoral process.