DHAKA, April 15, 2025 (BSS)- In a commendable move towards inclusivity and transparency, Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority (BPPA) continues its outreach beyond the capital, engaging with stakeholders at the grassroots level on public procurement and electronic government procurement (e-GP) issues.

Following a successful dialogue at Srimangal Upazila of Moulvibazar district, BPPA extended its efforts further by organizing another meeting on awareness and experience-sharing held today at Charfesson, a remote coastal upazila of  Bhola district, located approximately 255 kilometres from Dhaka.

This initiative reflects BPPA’s ongoing commitment to fostering a more participatory procurement environment by involving both the tenderers and procuring entities (PEs) in meaningful discussions across the country, said a press release.

Several similar upazila-level engagements are also in the pipeline, as outlined in BPPA’s current work-plan.

The Charfesson programme was graced by the presence of Md Mahfuzar Rahman, Director (Joint Secretary) of BPPA, who attended the event as chief guest. 

Md Sakhawat Hossain, Director (Deputy Secretary) was present as the special guest. 

The event was presided over by Rasna Sharmin Shithi, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Charfesson.

By holding such dialogues far from the capital city, BPPA underscored its dedication to inclusive governance and capacity-building across all tiers of public procurement stakeholders.

Stating that the use of e-GP is being made mandatory in government procurement, Md. Mahfuzar Rahman said, all PEs will have to tender on e-GP. Therefore, everyone involved in the procurement process, including tenderers must have proper knowledge about the e-GP system.
Addressing the bidders, he said, “Like the procuring entities, you are partners in implementing government procurement contracts. That is why you are the development partners of the government. Tenderers often face problems in getting deposit back through banks. We’re taking measures to resolve this problem.”

Mentioning that tenderers need to know how to submit tenders online, Mahfuzar said, “Submitting tenders through others by sharing password is a big risk. Why would you take this risk? We have e-GP help desk open 24 hours a day. You can call 16575 to get help related to e-GP.”
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rasna Sharmin Mithi said that the benefits of e-GP are numerous as it reduced a lot of extra work. 

“One of the priorities of BPPA is to ensure sustainable development by increasing the use of e-GP in government procurement and bringing dynamism to the country's development work. BPPA is doing a good job in this regard.” she added.