Dhaka: The government has sanctioned plans to procure 1.10 lakh metric tons of fertilizer and has also endorsed the tender proposal and draft LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) to import LNG from the spot market for the years 2025 and 2026. These decisions were made during the 25th meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase held at Bangladesh Secretariat, chaired by Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Finance Adviser briefed reporters about the approval of various proposals, including container handling at Chattogram Port and the usual import of fertilizer. A crucial proposal on LNG import was also approved, which is essential for supplying energy to private sector industries. Dr Salehuddin mentioned that additional cargos of LNG would be acquired gradually.
Furthermore, the committee approved a proposal to renovate 23 primary schools in Rangpur district to serve as disaster shelters and sanctioned the supply of essential drugs. The procurement of marine vessels like feeder vessels was also approved. Responding to queries, Dr Salehuddin assured that the interim government will utilize the previously allocated funds necessary for the upcoming election.
Cabinet Division officials conveyed that, following a proposal from the Ministry of Industries, the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) will procure 30,000 metric tons of bulk granular urea fertilizer from Fertiglobe Distribution Ltd, UAE, costing around Taka 141.09 crore with a per ton cost of $385.50. The Ministry of Agriculture’s proposals led to the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) planning to acquire 40,000 metric tons of DAP fertilizer from Banyan International Trading Limited, China, for Taka 358.21 crore, and another 40,000 metric tons from MA’ADEN, Saudi Arabia, for Taka 351.21 crore.
The Health Services Division’s proposal to procure 22 types of 49,256 cartons of medicines from Essential Drugs Company Limited, Dhaka, for Taka 119.59 crore was also approved. These medicines will be distributed to community clinics nationwide to provide medical services.
Additionally, the Energy and Mineral Resources Division’s proposal to procure LNG through a tender proposal and Draft Sale and Purchase (SPA) agreement with OQ Trading Limited (OQT), UAE, for 2025 and 2026 was sanctioned. Under this agreement, OQT will deliver five cargos of LNG in 2025 and 12 in 2026.
Other approvals from the Purchase Committee meeting included proposals from the Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Division, Local Government Division, Power Division, and Ministry of Shipping.