In seven years, the country has saved at least Tk 5,100 crore by properly following the existing public procurement system in purchasing different materials and equipment needed for implementing various development projects, said a study report of the World Bank on Sunday. World Bank released the report styled ‘Assessment of Bangladesh Public Procurement System’ in a ceremony at the Hotel Radisson in city on Sunday.
The report of World Bank said implementation of public procurement system in purchasing different materials using government fund has saved the wastage time also. Earlier it took at least 94 days which now has come down at only 59 days. "Presently only 30 percent of total projects can be completed within the stipulated time and rest of 70 percent is delayed", the WB report said.
Planning Minister, MA Mannan attended the report launching ceremony as chief guest While Bangladesh and Bhutan, Country Director, South Asia, Mercy Miyang Tembon was present. While addressing, Planning Minister said Bangladesh is moving ahead by facing various challenges, the per capita income has increased because the level playing field exists in the country. All sorts of facilities including modern technology, security has been ensured.
"Beside growth we are also working for developing improved business climate, we want to ensure good governance, we are on move to ensure reform wherever it needs aiming to ensure good governance", Minister added. Minietr mentioned that delay in complementing 70 percent project works is dangerous, but now it has been taken into serious consideration because the government do not want tpo play hide and seek with anything.
Mercy Miyang Tembon of World Bank said Bangladesh has improved a lot in public procurement and World bank is happy with the development. "Accountability and Transparency is ensured in government's work through public procurement system. World Bank's cooperation will go on in future in this regard", he added.
