Advisory council rejects culture ministry's Tk20cr fund request for election-themed promos, orders open tender

The advisory council committee on economic affairs has declined to approve a proposal by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs seeking Tk20 crore to produce and broadcast TV commercials and a documentary aimed at creating a festive atmosphere ahead of the upcoming national election.

Instead of allowing the ministry to proceed under the direct procurement method (DPM), the council has instructed that the production and promotional activities be carried out through an open tender process, ensuring transparency.

Under DPM, a ministry can directly negotiate with a preferred organisation to procure goods or services — something experts say often raises concerns about opacity and corruption.

According to the ministry sources, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs wrote to the Election Commission on 12 November requesting the allocation to produce and broadcast election-themed audiovisual content for awareness ahead of the 13th national election to be held in February.

At the council meeting today (18 November), chaired by Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, the ministry sought in-principle approval for direct procurement to expedite the production process. However, the committee rejected that approach.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the adviser said the government plans to produce a documentary to promote a festive environment surrounding the election, but the work must be awarded through open tender.

"We have approved the idea in principle, but the cultural affairs ministry will decide the contractor through open bidding. Because this is a professional job, it should go to advertising or production agencies," he said.

When asked about the final budget allocation, he said, "I won't mention the amount now. Let the tender process take place first, then it will be finalised."