Dhaka: The government has granted approval in principle to procure approximately 50,000 metric tons of gasoline and a small research vessel, along with other maritime equipment, to bolster the nation’s energy supply and oceanographic research capabilities. These approvals were made during the 24th meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, held at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Energy and Mineral Resources Division proposed the import of an additional 50,000 MT (10+ACU-) of Gasoline 95 Unleaded (Octane) for the calendar year 2025. This proposal was approved in response to the growing demand for energy. Additionally, the Ministry of Industries’ proposal to procure equipment for a ropeway construction project in India was also approved through the international Direct Procurement Method (DPM).
The meeting further granted approval to the Ministry of Science and Technology for acquiring one small research vessel, equipped for sample collection, and two speedboats from Khulna Shipyard Ltd. This acquisition is part of the GD-1 package under the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (Phase 2) project. Moreover, the GD-5 package of the same project includes the procurement of a pontoon jetty and gangway for the safe berthing of the research vessel, also from Khulna Shipyard Ltd.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Food received approval to reduce the timeframe for the procurement process of 400,000 metric tons of rice through the international tender method, as per Section 83(1)(Ka) of the Public Procurement Rules, 2008. This step is taken to address urgent state needs effectively.