The government should remove discriminatory tax structure for the local companies to ensure level playing field for all domestic and foreign firms in the public procurement process, said speakers at seminar on 12 May, Sunday. They came up with the observations at the seminar titled Public Procurement Act-Challenges and Opportunities organized by International Business Forum of Bangladesh at its conference room in city.
Speaking as chief guest, State Minister for Planning Md Shahiduzzaman Sarker said the current government has introduced electronic government procurement to ensure transparency at the very primary level of procurement. “E-gp has turned the procurement process 180 degree,” he said adding that there are more ways to go in terms of transparency and accountability. The state minister said the country require people of high moral to ensure transparency and accountability. He also pledged to extend all-out support to take into cognizance of the recommendations, complaints and demand came up in the meeting from the stakeholders.
Speaking as designated discussants, Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority (BPPA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mohammed Shoheler Rahman Chowdhury said they want to bring 100% procurement system in the country into E-gp system. He said BPPA has been identifying challenges of procurement and amending them continually. Mr Rahman also said they will bring down existing three-step complains resolution to one step to make redressing simpler.
The High Commission of Singapore in Dhaka hosted a reception on Tuesday evening to mark the inauguration of the High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Bangladesh.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud attended the ceremony as the chief guest.
Terming the inauguration of the High Commission premises of Singapore a historic moment in bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Singapore, he expressed hope that fresh opportunities for cooperation to forge a stronger bond between the two countries have been created.
Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed put a gem of fast bowling show to guide Bangladesh to a six-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the second T20 International at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram today.
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has reiterated Bangladesh pledge to non-proliferation and peaceful use of nuclear science, particularly in energy, food safety, medicine, and health sectors.
He also restated Bangladesh enduring commitment to nuclear disarmament and the safety and security of nuclear materials.
The foreign minister, who is on an official visit to Austria, made this remark during a meeting with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in Vienna on Monday, a foreign ministry press release said here today.