The National Parliament Secretariat has decided to form a high-level inquiry committee to examine allegations of irregularities in its procurement activities, and has stated that no payments related to the concerned purchases will be released until the investigation report is submitted.
In a press release issued on Monday (20 April) by the Public Relations Division of the National Parliament Secretariat, the development was formally confirmed. The statement was signed by Md. Monir Hossain, Director (Public Relations) of the Secretariat.
The release noted that a recent report published in a national daily newspaper and various online platforms under the headline “Irregularities in Parliament’s Procurement” had drawn the attention of the authorities. In response to the allegations outlined in the report, the Secretariat confirmed that a high-level investigation committee would be formed without delay.
It further stated that all payments related to the procurement in question would remain suspended until the submission of the committee’s findings.
The published report alleged that procurement items, including cameras, lenses, memory cards, batteries, flash units and related equipment, were purchased at prices significantly higher than prevailing market rates. It claimed that equipment worth BDT 58,44,130 had an estimated market value of less than BDT 20 lakh.
The report also alleged discrepancies between the tender specifications and the goods supplied, stating that in some cases, products of different brands were delivered. Additionally, although the supply deadline was set at 30 days, the items were reportedly received within 19 days.
Procurement Timeline and Key Details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Start of 13th Parliament | 12 March |
| Work order issued | 25 March |
| Supplier | Safe Traders |
| Delivery date | 15 April |
| Total procurement value | BDT 58,44,130 |
| Claimed market value | Under BDT 20 lakh |
| Delivery period (contract) | 30 days |
| Actual delivery period | 19 days |
According to the same report, this procurement was the first purchase activity undertaken by the Parliament Secretariat following the formation of the 13th Parliament. The report further stated that Safe Traders was awarded the work order, and delivery was completed within the stipulated timeframe as recorded in administrative documents.
It also alleged that former Parliament Secretary Kaniz Mawla was involved in the procurement process. The matter reportedly generated discussion and expressed dissatisfaction during parliamentary proceedings following the publication of the report.
The Parliament Secretariat has reiterated that the matter will be thoroughly reviewed by the forthcoming high-level committee, and further administrative steps will depend on the findings of the investigation report.