Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed serious concern over the government’s decision to spend nearly Tk 111 crore through direct procurement for converting Ganabhaban into the “July Memorial Museum.”
In a press release issued on Wednesday, TIB termed the move a “questionable breach of transparency and accountability,” noting that the project – approved in December 2024 – could have followed standard tender procedures under the Public Procurement Rules.
The decision was approved by the Advisory Council Committee on Economic Affairs at a meeting held Tuesday at the Secretariat. According to media reports, the construction and renovation works are to be completed by August 5, leaving less than three weeks for implementation. Officials cited urgency as justification for bypassing open bidding.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman questioned the rationale, stating, “The project had nearly seven months, yet the government opted for direct purchase just weeks before the deadline. This undermines both due process and public confidence.”
He noted that under Sections 76(1) and 76(2) of the procurement rules, direct purchase cannot be used to avoid competition or favour specific entities. “Such procurement is allowed only in cases of emergencies or for specialised items. This museum work does not qualify as either,” Dr Zaman added.
The contracts, reportedly awarded to two firms for electrical, mechanical, and civil works, lacked explanation on value determination, selection criteria, or safeguards for ensuring value for public money.
TIB called for an impartial investigation into why the project timeline was mismanaged and why tendering was avoided.
“If transparency and competition are not ensured, anti-corruption pledges will amount to nothing more than rhetoric,” Dr Zaman said.