Dhaka: The first batch of the Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority’s (BPPA) four-week basic Public Procurement Management (PPM) training programme commenced on August 8 at the Engineering Staff College Bangladesh (ESCB) in Ramna, Dhaka. This 21-day non-residential training, organized by the BPPA, is set to conclude on September 1, with participation from 28 government officials, including four women officers.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this flagship basic procurement training, previously held over three weeks, has been extended to four weeks to incorporate a broader curriculum under the Procurement Modernization to Improve Public Service Delivery (PMIPSD) project. This project is implemented by the BPPA with backing from the World Bank. The BPPA plans to conduct this expanded training for 22 non-residential and five residential batches.
The revised training programme is designed to offer participants more hands-on learning through additional case studies and practical sessions. It also includes visits to the BPPA office and a procuring entity’s office to provide practical insights into public procurement operations. Under the Public Procurement Rules, 2025 (PPR 2025), physical services have been categorized separately, necessitating dedicated training sessions. The e-GP orientation session, previously a one-day event, has been extended to three days in the new programme.
BPPA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Secretary to the government Abu Sayed Md Kamruzzaman attended the inaugural session as the chief guest. ESCB Rector Md Ashraful Alam was present as the special guest, while Institution of Engineers Bangladesh (IEB) Vice President (Human Resources) Engineer Shaikh Al Amin chaired the session. BPPA Director and national procurement trainer Shah Eyamin-Ul Islam, BPPA Director and Joint Secretary Shaikh Muhammad Refat Ali, and training programme coordinator Dr. Tawheed Hasan were also present.
In his inaugural speech, the BPPA CEO highlighted the importance of basic procurement training in enhancing the capacity of government officials and ensuring improved public procurement practices across procuring entities. He emphasized the need for sustainable public procurement, noting that effective implementation is vital for sustainable development. He urged participants to develop a thorough understanding of the Public Procurement Act, Rules, and procedures in line with the Standard Tender Documents (STDs). The CEO also stressed the importance of understanding the e-GP system, as it is now mandatory for all public procurement in the country.
In his welcome address, ESCB Rector Md Ashraful Alam expressed gratitude to the BPPA for organizing the training and welcomed the participants. Engineer Shaikh Al Amin stated that the IEB is always prepared to support the BPPA in organizing such training programmes at the ESCB.
The second four-week non-residential training programme at the ESCB is scheduled to begin on August 15 and conclude on September 8. The training sessions are conducted six days a week, excluding Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm.