Unique example of transparency: Bishwambharpur Upazila LGED Engineer cancels tender to avoid controversy
Md Emran Khan, Sunamganj
To maintain full transparency in government procurement, accountability, and public trust in the e-GP system, Rajat Kanti Das, Engineer of Bishwambharpur Upazila, Sunamganj, has set a unique example. When a misunderstanding and resentment arose among participating contractors over the evaluation of an LTM tender, he immediately canceled the entire tender process without allowing any scope for controversy.
Local conscious citizens and businessmen have welcomed the Upazila Engineer’s prompt and responsible decision. According to them, canceling the tender instead of covering up the allegations will play a big role in maintaining the administration’s image of transparency.
According to sources, an LTM tender worth about 13 lakh taka was invited for the construction of a walkway at Little Bird School, Bishwambharpur Upazila for FY 2025-2026. Tender ID: 1286441. As per e-GP rules, 93 contractors from district level submitted bids online successfully. Later, in the final stage of automated and procedural evaluation, 5 firms passed the technical and official verification, and Messrs Karim Ali and Sons was selected for the work on 18 June 2026.
However, the elimination of a large number of contractors for technical reasons created dissatisfaction and misunderstanding among local businessmen. Former Councilor Kamal Hossain and some contractors questioned the transparency of the process and demanded an investigation. There was also an attempt to spread rumors involving Assistant Engineer Mahbub Alam, who has been working at the local office for a long time.
Rajat Kanti Das, who took charge as Bishwambharpur Upazila Engineer earlier this year, considered the matter from the sentiment of ordinary contractors and the transparency of e-GP. He made it clear that no shadow of controversy would be allowed on the government’s development work.
Following this, in an urgent official order signed on 21 June, Memo No: 46.02.9018.900.14.001.26-386/
Copies of the order were immediately sent to the Executive Engineer of LGED Sunamganj, Administrator of Bishwambharpur Upazila Parishad, and Upazila Nirbahi Officer along with all senior authorities, which proves his administrative integrity and adherence to rules.
After this bold and quick decision to cancel the tender, relief has returned among the contractor community of Bishwambharpur. Several young contractors, speaking on condition of anonymity, said many government officials often ignore complaints or award work under pressure from influential people. But the current Upazila Engineer Rajat Kanti Das took our complaint seriously. By respecting the sentiment of 93 contractors and deciding for re-tendering so quickly, he deserves praise. This has increased our trust in e-GP and LGED administration.
Executive Engineer of LGED Sunamganj, Md. Anwar Hossain, also expressed a positive attitude. He said transparency is the final word in any work. The step taken by the Bishwambharpur Upazila Engineer to resolve the situation and ensure equal participation reflects professionalism.
Stakeholders hope that LGED Bishwambharpur will continue to work in a transparent process keeping ordinary contractors by its side so that development work is completed in a lawful and corruption-free manner.
