The Tenderers Database, introduced by Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority (BPPA) in the electronic government procurement (e-GP) system, will help increase transparency in the public procurement process.
BPPA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mohammed Shoheler Rahman Chowdhury made the remark on Tuesday while speaking at a workshop for the journalists on the establishment of “BPPA and Sustainable Public Procurement” in Dhaka.
The Bangladesh Centre for Communication Programs (BCCP) facilitated the event.
Addressing the event, Secretary Abul Kashem Md Mahiuddin of Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED), which operates under the planning ministry, highlighted the importance of the BPPA's role, a press release read.
The secretary informed that the government will soon expand IMED's jurisdiction nationwide to effectively monitor development activities. Under the IMED, a department will be established promptly to ensure effective supervision of project implementation under ADP.
BPPA Director (Joint Secretary) Md Mahfuzar Rahman presented a detailed overview of BPPA's establishment, functions and Sustainable Public Procurement. The secretary mentioned that the Central Procurement Technical Unit (CPTU) was a small unit within the IMED.
However, due to increased operational challenges and the need to consider government procurement demands, it was not possible to enforce procurement laws nationwide. Therefore, establishing a government procurement authority with adequate staff was very necessary.
Journalists raised concerns about the transparency in awarding contracts and how e-GP ensures it, especially when certain companies win multiple contracts and others struggle to secure any.
The CEO of BPPA assured that the procurement rules would ensure the transparency of the awarded contracts and measures had been taken to address irregularities.
Regarding this, Abul Kashem Md Mahiuddin stated that since the issuance of a circular related to BPPA, procurement officers have become more vigilant. He expressed hope for further improvement in this regard over time.
Md Mahfuzar Rahman emphasised that all information regarding contractors' work and received bills are stored in the e-GP database, ensuring transparency.
Therefore, hiding any information about vendors is not possible, which will ultimately ensure greater transparency in public procurement processes. The Tenderers Data Base was deployed in the e-GP system in 2022.
Developed and managed by Dohatec New Media as the lead of a joint venture with Beximco IT and GSS Infotech, the e-GP system of the BPPA has been acclaimed at home and abroad. The former CPTU was transformed into the BPPA on September 18, 2023.
