Gearing up for the future

Maliha M. Quadir

Founder and Managing Director, Shohoz.com

Thankfully, the government has withdrawn the proposal of ‘one driver – one company’. If it were implemented it would have led to monopoly in the industry. The government should also repeal the policy that requires all bike must be at least one year in operation before being used in any ride-sharing service. Instead, the policy should emphasise on the experience of the motorbike driver. Our existing traffic laws also need to reviewed. There could be a policy to limit the number of car sales. The government should incentivize the motorcycle industry. We want to work with the government closely on the safety issue.

Quazi Ashiq Ur Rahman

Chief Executive Officer, 

Rancon Motor Bikes Limited

We need to ensure steady flow of investments into the industry to expand and develop a strong backward linkage system. However, the present situation of alternating tax rates and fluctuating policies does not permit investors to always receive the expected returns. For example, a 5% vat on the sales price has increased the price of bikes for customers. Such circumstances do not help the backward linkage industry to grow, demotivating potential investors and affecting the overall market volume. Organisations such as BRTA and BRTC need to launch robust safe driving awareness programmes.

Nayeemur Rahman

Head of Business Planning, 

Uttara Motors Limited

The main challenges are exorbitant duty structure including imposition of new AT (Advanced Tax), lack of linkage industry, high registration fees compared to neighboring countries. The government should look into these issues seriously. Another critical concern is lack of skilled and technical manpower. There needs to have more investment from both public and private sector to bridge this gap. Through our expert team of engineers and mechanics we are trying to provide instant solutions to all motorcycle related problems across the country. There should be more of such facilities. We also need to work on creating mass awareness about traffic rules.

Subrata Ranjan Das

Executive Director, 

ACI Motors Ltd.

Safety is vital to the growth of the motorcycle industry. It is really important to engage bikers to raise awareness about safety issues. Social media can be of great help in this regard. Providing training to bikers is another critical issue. Unfortunately, a large number of the new bikers don’t know to how to ride safely. We have taken some initiatives to address this issue. There should be more such training opportunity across the country. 

The government should take action to stop grey import of motorcycle as it affects the local manufacturers. There should be special lane for bikers. Financial institutions should offer motorbike financing products.