Representatives of various procuring entities (PEs) and tenderers at a workshop of Government-Tenderers Forum (GTF) in Khulna on 15 September 2019 demanded further simplification of the e-GP system.

The Central Procurement Technical Unit (CPTU) organized the workshop and BCCP facilitated it at the Circuit House auditorium in Khulna.

Director (Training and Coordination) of CPTU Mr. Shish Haider Chowdhury welcomed the participants. He spoke briefly on the rationale of GTF in his welcome speech. The DD LG Ms. Ishrat Jahan presided over the workshop.

Secretary, IME Division Abul Mansur Md. Faizullah, ndc was present as the chief guest. Additional Secretary and Director General of CPTU Mr. Md Ali Noor was present as the special guest. Additional Commissioner, Khulna, Mr. Nischinto Kunar Podder was also present as the special guest.

BCCP Senior Deputy Director Ms. Khadiza Bilkis made a presentation on GTF aims and objectives and the need for formation of Bangladesh Government-Tenderers Forum (BGTF), an apex body planned for PEs and tenderers. Senior Communications Consultant of CPTU Md. Shafiul Alam moderated the workshop. There are 64 GTFs in 64 districts.

The Secretary said that GTF should sit at least once in three months. He underscored the need for making the GTF sustainable. He underscored the quality of public procurement. The GTF can play a role in this regard, the Secretary observed.

The DG CPTU said that public procurement is conducted with public funds. All concerned need to work to ensure the best use of such funds.   

Representatives of PEs observed that in e-GP under LTM they need to release tender security of a large number of tenderers separately. This takes much of their time. They demanded a solution to this issue.

Tenderers mentioned three issues such as release of tender security and performance security, demanded Folder for NOA in ‘My Tender’ and View Unlock File in e-GP.

Both the PEs and tenderers alleged that no public bank provides e-GP payment services in Khulna city. The Secretary and the DG CPTU assured them of looking into the issues raised in the workshop. Those who spoke in the workshop appreciated the forum and supported the formation of BGTF planned for 2019.