The Ministry of Finance has approved a proposal to purchase 60 Pajero SUVs worth over Tk 1.01 billion (101 crore) for ministers of the upcoming government. Analysts see this as nothing short of looting.
In a recent television talk show, journalist Masud Kamal remarked: “The outgoing government did not take such cars with them. But commissions are earned when these cars are bought. That is why they are rushing to make the purchases. Whether incoming ministers will even need such cars could have been left up to them.”
Tajnuba Jabin, Joint Convener of the ruling King’s Party NCP, also expressed astonishment at the proposal. On her Facebook post, she wrote:
“The Finance Ministry has approved a Tk 1.01 billion proposal for 60 Pajeros for the ministers of the next government. It shows just how ‘caring and grateful’ the Finance Advisor is to his friends—ensuring they can immediately ride in new cars the moment they become ministers.”
It is reported that the Ministry approved the purchase of 60 Mitsubishi Pajero QX-2427cc models, each priced at Tk 16.9 million (1.69 crore). The total expense will be Tk 1.016 billion. In addition, 195 Pajeros will be purchased for district and upazila-level officials involved in the upcoming elections, bringing the total to 220 new SUVs. Altogether, the government will spend nearly Tk 4.45 billion (445 crore) for 280 vehicles.
This comes at a time when public trust in the government has collapsed amid the country’s worsening situation. Earlier, Bangladesh Bank issued a warning to all scheduled banks and financial institutions about a potential cyber-attack.
Experts fear that this sudden cyber-alert may not be a precautionary measure at all—but rather a prelude to massive money laundering from state banks. Multiple intelligence agencies confirmed that throughout July, suspiciously large transactions were detected across Yunus-backed online payment channels, violating money laundering laws. A well-organized network—working with international connections and domestic collaborators—appears to be plotting to drain the state treasury.
On July 30, Bangladesh Bank’s ICT department issued an official letter forecasting a major cyber-attack. Although described as a “general precaution,” political analysts argue it signals a much deeper conspiracy.
This raises pressing questions: Is Bangladesh Bank’s warning really meant to prevent a future attack, or is it being used as a cover for looting state funds? Experts say now is the time to audit every financial transaction and digital network in the banking and payments sector. If necessary, a special task force should be formed to take swift action against the syndicate.
Economists are also questioning the interim government’s future. At a seminar, Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya stated:
“The government’s time is coming to an end. What’s needed now is an exit policy and proof of accountability.”
He added: “How the next government responds to these measures will depend entirely on the transparency and responsibility shown today.”
In the end, only time will reveal how devastating this government’s actions will be on the national economy. But unless the truth comes out now, Bangladesh’s independence and financial security may face unprecedented peril.
