e-GP to be made mandatory in public procurement as part of reforms

The digitisation of public procurement is being implemented through the electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system since the current government is placing strong emphasis on reforms and transparency in all sectors. 

"The government is set to make the use of e-GP mandatory in all procurement processes. Therefore, all procuring entities will be required to invite tender exclusively through e-GP," said Laboni Chakma, director (deputy secretary) of BPPA, while presiding over an experience-sharing workshop on BPPA activities and e-GP, held today (30 April) in Narayanganj district. 

Since tenderers are integral to the procurement process, they too must participate in tender through the e-GP platform, said a press release.

At present, around 65% of public procurement in the country is conducted through e-GP. Under the government's strategic plan, Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority (BPPA) is working to increase this to 100%. 

In addition to streamlining procurement processes, contract management is also now being handled via the e-GP system.

The event was organised by BPPA and managed by the Bangladesh Centre for Communication Programs (BCCP). Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Narayanganj, attended the workshop as the chief guest at the conference room of his office.

Laboni Chakma stated that public procurement is funded by taxpayers, and hence, BPPA is committed to establishing a transparent and accountable procurement system out of responsibility to the public.

To prevent misuse in projects and delays in implementation, the government has repeatedly emphasized the need for efficiency. 

On an average, around 1,500 projects are included in the Annual Development Programme (ADP) each year. If these projects can achieve their intended goals effectively, it will have a significant positive impact on the national economy. 

To this end, the e-PMIS (electronic Project Management Information System) has been introduced, enabling real-time access to project implementation data which can be obtained from the field sitting at office. This system is integrated with e-GP.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah remarked that BPPA is working with great efficiency to establish a sustainable public procurement system based on transparency and accountability in Bangladesh.

The e-GP system is now a fully digitized platform that has made public procurement more dynamic and accessible. Over time, the system has undergone modernization, which is still ongoing. Formerly known as CPTU, BPPA has introduced several new modules in e-GP, making the system more automated and facilitating the work of all stakeholders - including procuring officers, tenderers, auditors, and bankers.

The benefits of e-GP are numerous. It has reduced unnecessary procedures and improved workflow. One of BPPA's key priorities is to increase the use of e-GP in public procurement to enhance the pace of development and ensure sustainable progress in the country. In this regard, BPPA has been performing commendably.

The system now includes e-CMS, a tenderer database, international tender invitation module, and e-audit capabilities. Interconnectivity has also been established between e-GP and iBAS++. 

Bidders can now register, renew registration, and make payments for tender security and document purchase fees online. 
Government procurement officials can conduct evaluations, finalize contracts, oversee implementation, and make payments - all digitally through e-GP. 

This has significantly reduced complexity in procurement processes. With the introduction of e-audit, there is no longer any need to visit procurement offices for auditing purposes.

The event was attended by nearly 70 participants, including representatives from various government procuring entities in Narayanganj district, bidders, bankers, and local journalists.

The government introduced e-GP in Bangladesh in 2011 with support from the World Bank.