Cabinet okays policy for local auto industry

The cabinet yesterday approved the draft of a policy to develop the automobile industry in the country in a bid to be self-reliant in this sector.

At a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, cabinet okayed the "Automobile Industry Development Policy 2021".

The meeting was held in Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Following the meeting, cabinet secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam said the government is trying to reduce its dependency on import.

"We've potential to develop the automobile industry in the country," he said.

The cabinet secretary said the main objective of the policy is to develop the local industry by ensuring competence in automobile engineering and necessary facilities for production of automobiles and parts.

Quoting Japanese ambassador in Dhaka as saying, Anwarul said a famous Japanese company has shown interest to invest in the automobile industry.

He said once the policy is implemented, local automobile industries in cooperation with international brands would be able to manufacture cars at lower cost.

Yesterday, the cabinet also gave the final approval to the draft of the Delimitation of Constituencies Bill, 2021.

It will replace an ordinance of the military regime, he said, adding that no major change was brought to the draft law.

The cabinet okayed a proposal for accepting the membership of OIC's Women Development Organisation (WDO), its ratification and signing in the WDO Statute.

Anwarul said WDO works in the OIC states to ensure rights and empowerment of women.