JS passes public procurement bill
Unb, Dhaka
The parliament yesterday passed the Public Procurement Bill 2006 seeking to bring efficiency, transparency and accountability in government purchases -- wherein generally remains the biggest scope for kickbacks.The bill also provides for 'equal opportunity' for those who will intend to participate in the procurement and open competition. On behalf of Finance Minister M Saifur Rahman, State Minister for Power Anwarul Kabir Talukder, who had been earlier in the finance ministry, piloted the bill that was passed by voice vote without much discussion, as opposition Awami League was not present because of their walkout. Talukder said the bill was prepared with opinions from officials of different ministries and corporations as well as the practices followed at national and international levels and guidelines of the country's development partners. The House accepted an amendment to the bill moved by Kader Siddiqui. Earlier, two bills were introduced in the parliament. Law Minister Barrister Maudud Ahmed introduced 'The Administrative Tribunals (Amendment) Bill 2006', and State Minister for Labour and Employment Aman Ullah Aman introduced 'The State-owned Industrial Workers (Service Conditions) Bill 2006'. Both the bills were sent to respective parliamentary standing committees for further scrutiny.
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