TIB slams 'lack of transparency' in July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum procurement process

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern over the decision to spend nearly Tk111 crore through direct procurement for the construction and renovation work at Ganabhaban to establish the July Uprising Memorial Museum.

In a press release, the organisation said the manner in which existing laws and regulations have been "bypassed" under the justification of direct procurement for spending public funds is not consistent with the interim government's commitment to transparency and accountability in state affairs.

Citing media reports, TIB said the construction and renovation work required to complete the transformation of the museum by 5 August will be carried out through the direct purchase method, meaning no tender will be invited.

The Advisory Council Committee on Economic Affairs gave its approval in principle for this on 15 July at a meeting held at the Secretariat, the press release said.

Govt to spend Tk111cr to turn Ganabhaban into July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum

Describing the procurement process without tender as questionable, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, "Generally, government procurement through direct purchase is permitted only under emergency situations, unforeseen disasters, for specialised goods/services, or in specific circumstances where rapid delivery is necessary."

He said according to the government's explanation, the decision to award the work through the direct purchase method was made to expedite the completion of the museum's transformation.

"The question is: this project was approved back in December 2024, and under procurement policy, there was ample time to issue tenders and follow due procedures for open competition."

Dr Zaman further said, "The construction process of the July Uprising Memorial Museum does not qualify as a specialised procurement. In this project, nearly Tk111 crore worth of electrical and mechanical and public works have been awarded directly to two separate entities."

"Why was the direct purchase method applied for such a routine procurement? On what basis were these two firms awarded the work orders? What was the rationale for their selection?"

TIB's Executive Director further said, "We demand an impartial investigation and a clear explanation as to why there was a delay despite sufficient time after the decision was made, and why it became necessary to award the contracts without a tender process."