Staff Correspondent

The introduction of the electronic Project Management Information System (e-PMIS) is set to significantly improve the quality of project implementation by providing real-time data and project status updates.

This observation was highlighted during a stakeholder consultation workshop on the dissemination of e-PMIS software, held today at the NEC Auditorium on the campus of Bangladesh Planning Commission in the capital.

At the event, it was noted that the e-PMIS can play a significant role in monitoring project implementation for all stakeholders like ministry, division, agency, IMED, Bangladesh Planning Commission and the Economic Relations Division (ERD), said a press release.

The Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority (BPPA), which has been implementing DIMAPPP, organized the workshop.

Secretary, IMED, Abul Kashem Md Mohiuddin, attended it as the chief guest. Arafat Ishtiaque, Senior Procurement Specialist at the World Bank’s Dhaka office, was present as the special guest and Mirza Ashfaqur Rahman, presided over the session.

During the workshop, Md Aknur Rahman delivered a comprehensive presentation on e-PMIS, covering its objectives, system access, modules, key features, benefits, roles and responsibilities, integration with external systems, and current progress.

The event was attended by approximately 70 officials from 51 government agencies, all of whom are involved in projects under the Annual Development Programme (ADP). Officials of IMED and BPPA were also present.

Currently, some 1,343 projects are included in the ongoing ADP for 2024-25 fiscal year. So far, 1,219 Project Directors have registered with e-PMIS. These directors are actively providing project data to the system.

The Secretary emphasized the importance of e-PMIS in ensuring transparency and real-time data availability, which will improve the quality of project implementation and help the government achieve its goal of reducing time and cost overruns.

The government has placed top priority on minimizing delays and excessive costs in project execution, and e-PMIS is a key tool to accomplish this objective. He urged all stakeholders to fully utilize the system’s benefits.

Arafat Ishtiaque from the World Bank highlighted that the effectiveness of e-PMIS will grow as more data is provided by Project Directors and relevant officers. He drew parallels with the electronic Government Procurement System (e-GP) of BPPA, noting how it became more robust over time with increased usage.

The CEO of BPPA noted "e-PMIS is simplifying the work of project officers," and encouraged all involved to regularly input project data into the system. The software was designed to streamline and enhance project management, with IMED playing a supportive role in facilitating its use.

The former Central Procurement Technical Unit (CPTU) of IMED has been transformed into BPPA to improve procurement environment and increase professionalism in public procurement in the country. The World Bank provided technical assistance to BPPA for DIMAPPP.