Customs authorities are planning to auction off a total of 44 cars on February 16, including 24 of the luxurious Land Cruiser ZX model by Japanese automaker Toyota, which were purchased by former members of parliament (MPs).

Customs halted the release of the 24 vehicles because the individuals who imported them are no longer MPs and, therefore, are not eligible to avail themselves of the vehicles under a duty-free facility.

Before the Awami League government fell in early August last year, seven cars brought under the provision were released. Most of the vehicles were imported from Japan and Singapore and have engine capacities ranging from 3,000cc to 4,000cc.

Customs officials said they issued several notices to the importers, including the former MPs, to collect the vehicles by paying the applicable duties. However, only former MP Abul Kalam Azad got his car released.

The remaining 20 vehicles—10 dump trucks, five Harriers, and two RAV4 sport utility vehicles (SUVs), an Esquire, and two of the Land Cruiser model—were seized as their importers failed to provide the necessary documents on time.

The auction process began on February 2 and will remain open to bidders until February 16.

"Bidders can physically inspect the vehicles from February 2 to February 4, and anyone can purchase these vehicles through e-tender," said Md Shakib Hossain, assistant commissioner of Chattogram Customs.

According to an official of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the opportunity to import cars duty-free is provided to MPs to assist them in carrying out their parliamentary duties.

MPs can avail themselves of the duty-free facility once every five years.

"As per the law, it is not possible to redeem this facility if the car is not used for parliamentary duties," said the NBR official, preferring anonymity.

The duty-free facility was introduced during HM Ershad's rule in 1987 to appease lawmakers. A notification in this regard was issued on May 24, 1988.

In the budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, a proposal was made to impose a 25 percent duty on cars imported by MPs. The proposal was not accepted.

The tax exemption has cost the government Tk 5,147 crore in lost revenue over the last 15 years, according to the NBR's data.