Tk43,481 for a chair, Tk1,85,000 for a sofa

The Public Works Department proposed to spend Tk43, 481 on a steel arm cushion chair, Tk1, 85,000 on a sofa, Tk538 on per square feet brick pavers to modernize South Plaza and Tk1969 on per square feet construction of a waiting zone for drivers, security staff and gunmen in Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban area.

Additionally, the department in a proposal sought Tk2, 326 for per square foot construction of a studio of Bangladesh Television and modernization of the Ministers’ Hostel Block.

The Project Evaluation Committee under the Planning Commission at a meeting questioned the rationality of such unusual pricing and sent it back for a logical revision.

The Physical Infrastructure Division Deputy Chief stated that Tk547.66 lakh had been proposed to install the studio in this project while Tk77 lakh was allocated for modernization of the third floor of Sangsad TV studio, civil sanitary and repairing in another project

The engineer concerned of the PWD on the matter said at present Sangsad TV studio is in parliament members’ club. The studio would be set up at the Ministers’ Hostel with the recommendation of the parliament authorities.

The PWD was also questioned at the meeting about the proposed Tk1.20 lakh to set up Bangabandhu Archive without detailing the expenditure.

The official concerned said the expenditure was proposed on the basis of demand of the parliament secretariat. The expenditure will be finalized with the consideration of the authorities concerned.

Meanwhile, the committee questioned over the rationality of the proposition of a fourth grade officer’s recruitment.

The Deputy Secretary of the Finance Division said the Ministry of Housing and Public Works proposed a fourth grade official as Project Director (PD) for the project with additional responsibility.

The PWD official clarified that they proposed fulltime PD instead of someone with additional responsibility as the project cost was estimated at over Tk50 crore.

The officials present at the meeting agreed to cut off the project’s office rent and utility charge.

The PWD proposed the estimation cost at Tk92.3162 for the project that will end by June 2024 starting from July 2022.