The government has granted permission to manufacturers to produce bikes up to 500cc engine capacity, a move that is expected to give a huge boost to the motorcycle industry in Bangladesh and provide the scope to bike lovers to ride higher engine two-wheelers.
The development comes as demand for motorcycles with a higher engine capacity is growing among bike enthusiasts thanks to reduced prices and a reduction in registration fees.
In the Import Policy Order 2021-24, published on Sunday, the government said motorcycle makers would be able to import machinery and spare parts required to manufacture 500cc bikes. It, however, banned the import of bikes above 165cc engine capacity.
Manufacturers welcomed the move, saying that liberalisation will enhance the capacity of the sector.
IFAD Motors Ltd. has already signed a memorandum of understanding with British-bred Royal Enfield to import the latter’s famous two-wheelers.
Earlier, the government permitted Runner Automobiles to import machinery and components needed to make bikes of up to 500cc engine capacity.
Thanks to the latest measure, all manufacturers would now be able to bring components and machinery to make higher engine capacity bikes.
Some 375,000 motorcycles were sold in 2021, up 21 per cent compared to 311,016 units the year before, data from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority showed.
-With The Daily Star input
