The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Textiles has recommended that government contracts should not be repeatedly awarded to the same institution, calling for tenders to be awarded to other institutions to ensure transparency and accountability in the procurement process.
This recommendation was made at the first meeting of the parliamentary watchdog at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Saturday.
The committee chairman, Md Akhtaruzzaman Mia, presided over the meeting, while Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, State Minister Md Shariful Alam and committee members SM Faysal, Md Abdullah, Rejeka Sultana, Md Afzal Hossain, Muhammad Rabiul Bashar, and Mahbuba Hakim attended it.
The committee also recommended that all activities of the ministry be conducted in line with the prime minister’s election manifesto, with necessary initiatives taken to fulfil the commitments.
During the meeting, officials presented an overview of the activities of the ministry and its subordinate departments and agencies. The committee was also briefed on initiatives taken under the government’s 180-day programme and the progress of ongoing projects.
The committee recommended taking appropriate measures to mechanise operations of the Bangladesh Sericulture Development Board, replacing manually operated equipment where necessary.
It also called for easier access to yarn, dyes and other raw materials for marginal weavers. To this end, it recommended taking necessary steps through weavers’ associations or by appointing dealers, involving local members of parliament.
The committee further recommended an investigation into the operations of the Bangladesh Handloom Board’s office at Ranir Bandar in Dinajpur and whether the land associated with the office had been leased or allocated through other means. Necessary action should be taken based on the findings, it said.