Dhaka, July 10 -- In a sweeping cost-cutting measure, the interim government has announced a ban on the public purchase of vehicles and foreign trips by all government offices for the rest of the 2025-26 fiscal year.

The restrictions apply to both operational and development budgets.

The directive, issued by the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday, is part of broader austerity efforts aimed at reducing public expenditure.

According to the order, no government entity will be permitted to purchase any type of vehicle using funds from either the operating or development budgets.

The only exception allows for the replacement of transport pool (TO&E-listed) vehicles that are more than 10 years old, subject to approval by the Finance Division. ...