Dhaka: Ensuring 100 percent implementation of e-GP, strengthening procurement capacity, and integrating AI into public procurement processes are among the major immediate priorities of the Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority (BPPA).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, BPPA Chief Executive Officer Abu Sayed Md. Kamruzzaman emphasized that despite progress in the public procurement process, significant challenges remain. He highlighted the need for continued efforts to enhance the country's public procurement system. Kamruzzaman noted that the BPPA is not permitting blanket approvals for offline tenders, and a circular has been issued to outline conditions under which Procuring Entities (PEs) may receive permission for such tenders.
Kamruzzaman explained that the BPPA is working to manage the operation and maintenance of the e-GP software independently. Achieving full e-GP implementation across all public procurement, enhancing procurement capacity in ministries and public agencies, and improving the capacity of Project Directors in procurement, project management, and public financial management are identified as major priorities.
The BPPA CEO underscored the need for increased competition in public procurement while maintaining quality, value for money, sustainability, and innovation throughout the procurement lifecycle. Addressing these challenges is expected to enhance public service delivery and bolster citizens' confidence in the procurement system.
Kamruzzaman also highlighted the recent establishment of the Debarment Review Board as a significant initiative. This board meets the long-standing demand from the business community, development partners, and procurement professionals by offering tenderers an independent mechanism to contest debarment decisions made by procuring entities. The board serves as an institutional grievance-redress mechanism, reinforcing fairness through due process and accountability.
Looking ahead, Kamruzzaman mentioned plans to develop and implement e-GP Version 2.0 and modernize the existing e-GP Data Centre by updating obsolete hardware. Other strategic priorities include constructing BPPA's permanent headquarters and implementing the Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) initiative. The authority also aims to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into public procurement to enhance efficiency, transparency, and evidence-based decision-making.
Kamruzzaman emphasized that these initiatives would transform Bangladesh's public procurement system into a more modern, citizen-centric, and technology-driven system. The reforms are expected to improve transparency and accountability in public procurement while strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring better value for public expenditure.
The CEO outlined major reforms in the Public Procurement Rules (PPR), 2025, which include abolishing the 10 percent price cap for national works procurement, mandatory e-GP use for all public procurement, and mandatory disclosure of beneficial ownership information for successful contractors. Other reforms introduce Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP), mandatory procurement strategies, and recognition of physical services as a separate procurement category.
Additional reforms expand the scope for framework agreements and negotiations, include domestic firms in IT-related procurement, and introduce reverse auctions as a new online procurement method. Provisions are being made to reserve at least 25 percent of operational budgets for women-owned enterprises, small, and new entrepreneurs, establish dedicated Procurement Units in every ministry and division, and introduce advance procurement, early market engagement, and strategic procurement planning.
Kamruzzaman indicated that the government is considering further amendments to procurement laws. A high-level committee, led by the Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, is reviewing the Public Procurement Act and Rules to identify areas for improvement. Potential amendments may be introduced based on the committee's recommendations, with a strong commitment to strengthening transparency, accountability, efficiency, integrity, and competition throughout the public procurement system.