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DHAKA, June 10, 2025 (BSS) - The interim government has taken a groundbreaking step in the green technology-based transportation, electric vehicle (EV) and lithium battery industry in Bangladesh. 

Through two separate Statutory Regulatory Orders (SROs) issued recently, the customs duty on the import of raw materials for e-bikes and lithium or graphene batteries has been set only 1 percent reducing the rate by 60-80 percent, said an official handout today.

As a result of this decision, companies like Huawei, Toyota and Walton are planning to immediately invest at least Tk 200 crore, it said.

Through this, new e-bikes, three and four-wheeled EVs, and mobile tower batteries will be produced locally in Bangladesh which will save the country's energy, reduce carbon emissions and save foreign exchange, as well as diversify exports and create employment.

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministry initiated the policy.

On May 5, he sent a research-based DO or semi-official letter to the National Board of Revenue Chairman with various references. Chief Adviser's Special Envoy for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi oversaw the overall matter. 

Internal Resources Division Secretary and National Board of Revenue (NBR) Abdur Rahman Khan and Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman played a very important role in this policy change. 

The entire team presented research-based proposals through multiple meetings and consultation meetings. 

The Finance Ministry has also considered this proposal with importance. The benefits that will be obtained if the new SRO is implemented: the way will be opened for the production of e-bikes, lithium ion and lithium-graphene batteries in the country; the use of modern technology instead of lead-acid batteries in 'easy bikes' and rickshaws will be ensured; the domestic industry will be encouraged to accelerate and foreign investment will be encouraged, and it will be possible to reduce revenue leakage by at least Tk 1000 crore in export development. 

In addition, the SRO No. 123 of 2022 has been repealed to stop the trend of revenue evasion and increase in e-waste through the import of old and refurbished parts. This will enable the government to recover an estimated Tk 1000 crore in revenue every year.

The concerned parties have termed this policy reform as the 'foundation stone of a new journey in green transportation, EV and environment-friendly battery industry production' with the aim of creating an information and technology-based, green Bangladesh.