�e-GP removes hassles in procurement process�
Bidders training to effectively use the
system and more awareness suggested
STAFF REPORTER
Speakers at a workshop said the implementation of electronic government procurement (e-GP) has removed hassles in the process of public procurement, but the bidders need training to effectively use the system while more awareness about it among all concerned is required.
The speakers made such observations at a workshop to raise awareness about e-GP at the Conference Room in the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Comilla on Sunday, said a press release.
Organised by the Central Procurement Technical Unit (CPTU) of the IME Division of the Ministry of Planning and facilitated by the Bangladesh Centre for Communication Programs (BCCP) the workshop brought together as many as 50 participants from various government procuring entities, contractors, civil society and media in Comilla district.
Secretary of the IME Division Md Shahid Ullah Khandaker, Director General of CPTU Md Faruque Hossain, Procurement Consultant of World Bank ANM Mustafizur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of Comilla HasanuzzamanKollol, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Moniruzzaman Talukdar, ADC (education) Azizur Rahman and Deputy Director, Local Government (DDLG) AKM Mamunur Rashid spoke on the occasion.
The Secretary of the IME Division said that the government is keen to bring all government procuring entities under e-GP by 2016. At the moment about 100 agencies of 25 ministries are now using the e-GP system that brought a great relief to procuring entities and contractors from all kinds of hassles.
DG, CPTU said as part of the vision for Digital Bangladesh CPTU is implementing e-GP with support from the WB. Until now about 20 per cent of countrys public procurement is operated through e-GP. We are here to learn your problems with e-GP, build close relations with stakeholders and let citizens know about public procurement, he noted.
The Deputy Commissioner of Comilla said that the e-GP system removed all sorts of insecurity for both procuring entities and contractors in connection with invitation and submission of tenders. He said public procurement is closely linked to the process of good governance.
Representatives of Roads and Highways Department (RHD), Local Government and Engineering Department (LGED), Water Development Board (WDB), Rural Electrification Board, Public Works Department (PWD), Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), Comilla City Corporation and other government offices hailed e-GP and demanded creation of a database of contractors to easily get proof of their certificates like turnover, experience and liquid asset.
DG, CPTU replied that the process was underway in this connection. Contractors present in the workshop appreciated e-GP and demanded training on e-GP for them. The DG informed them that training labs were being set up by LGED, RHD, REB and WDB, four target agencies under PPRP-II, to provide training to contractors.
A training video tool is also being developed for the purpose, he said. The Secretary mentioned facilities developed by Dohatec for providing training to contractors and procuring entities. Mustafizur Rahman replied to the queries of contractors and procuring entities about technical aspects of e-GP. He requested contractors to maintain secrecy of their passwords used for registration in the e-GP system.
Civil society and media representatives demanded civic engagement and disclosure of information about public procurement which can establish transparency and accountability in public expenditures.
