The introduction of the Tenderers Database by the Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority (BPPA) within the electronic government procurement (e-GP) system is poised to bolster transparency in the public procurement process.

Mohammed Shoheler Rahman Chowdhury, CEO of BPPA, emphasized this during a workshop for journalists on the establishment of BPPA and Sustainable Public Procurement held at the BPPA conference room.

Facilitated by the Bangladesh Center for Communication Programs (BCCP), the workshop had Abul Kashem Md. Mahiuddin, Secretary of the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) under the Planning Ministry, as the chief guest. He underscored the pivotal role of BPPA and announced the forthcoming expansion of IMED’s jurisdiction nationwide to better monitor development activities.

Md Mahfuzar Rahman, Director (Joint Secretary) of BPPA, provided an in-depth overview of BPPA's establishment, functions, and Sustainable Public Procurement. He highlighted the evolution of the Central Procurement Technical Unit (CPTU) into BPPA due to operational challenges and growing procurement demands.

Journalists raised concerns about contract award transparency, particularly regarding companies winning multiple contracts. The BPPA CEO assured that procurement rules would ensure transparency, with measures in place to address irregularities.

Abul Kashem Md. Mahiuddin noted increased vigilance among procurement officers since the circular related to BPPA issuance. He expressed optimism for further improvements in transparency.

Md Mahfuzar Rahman stressed that all contractor work and billing information are stored in the e-GP database, eliminating the possibility of hiding vendor information and ensuring transparency.

The Tenderers Database, integrated into the e-GP system in 2022, was developed and managed by Dohatec New Media, leading a joint venture with Beximco IT and GSS Infotech. The transformation of CPTU into BPPA in September 2023 has received acclaim domestically and internationally.