Accelerate development by ensuring accountability of public procurement: planning minister

Planning Minister M A Mannan has urged the authorities concerned to accelerate development projects by ensuring all materials – of the correct quality and quantity – are procured within a stipulated time.

He said that if the goal is achieved soon, authorities can ensure clarity and accountability in the procurement process that uses public funds.

The minister stated this at a workshop held at the Radisson Hotel on Wednesday morning.

The workshop on responsibilities of government servants in using public funds in procurement was organised jointly by the Central Technical Procurement Unit (CPTU) and The World Bank.

Speaking as the chief guest, the minister said, "The government's expenses for development are also growing with economic development.

He asked the authorities concerned to procure materials retaining their patriotism, religious values and political ideologies in mind.

Talking at the event IMED Secretary Abul Mansur Md. Faizullah said, "Development is growing every year, therefore, simultaneously, allocations to it are increasing."

"Therefore to make the most out of it, authorities are reducing tender time and ensuring fair competition," he continued.

He said monitoring – at a marginal level – is taking place to ensure the money is properly used in development work.

World Bank Bangladesh Office Country Director Mercy Miyang Tembon urged the authorities to ensure greater accountability in public procurement.

Sunil K Bhattacharya, consultant, World Bank presented the event's keynote.

He said, "Public procurement is significant as Bangladesh spends $24 billion a year – one third of the national budget – of which $18 billion is spent on development programmes."

"It is natural that the optimum use of public investment – and timely and quality service delivery – depend on how well public procurement systems function," he concluded.