The other bidder, which the ADB wants to walk over, has quoted the project cost at Tk 1800 crore while the project cost of ADB solicited bidder stands at Tk 3,175 crore. We are quite confused as to how the cost variation of a project is so big between two bidders and why the ADB is pressing for awarding the contract to the highest bidder. It is true ADB is a big donor to Bangladesh but it must also comply with the rules of business once they have so rigorously developed.
We know that the government procurement rules calls for international competitive bidding for projects to be implemented with public money. Compliance of public procurement rules is very important for selecting lowest bidder to save money from hidden cost and other corrupt practices. But why the ADB is pressing for unsolicited projects for the highest bidder needs to be carefully looked into as it seems quite misleading.
The government had initially opened awarding unsolicited power projects over the past years justifying that competitive bidding is time consuming and the critical power shortage in the country can’t go for such lengthy process. But now exception can’t become the rule of the game and particularly why ADB is working for it.
Report said, a six-member ADB mission is now in the capital since May 21 to review the progress in the implementation of the Water Supply Project and particularly in awarding of the contracts. They are scheduled for end meeting with the Economic Relations Division and close discussion with the Local Government Ministry on May 30.
It appears they are in a haste at a time the government is yet to make a decision about the contract. It is yet to implement an order of a review panel of its Central Procurement Unit that asked WASA to review technical proposal of the second bidder of the two shortlisted companies and consider its financial proposal. But the ADB mission is reportedly asking the government to ignore the review panel order and go for finalizing the contracts.
The ADB is reportedly using its fund lending leverage on other projects to force the government to take a quick decision which seems to be quite unusual and embarrassing to the government. We must say the government and the ADB must make the matter publicly clear to avoid misgivings. The people have the right to know the truths.
