Serious allegations of irregularities have surfaced regarding a new tender for procuring medical equipment for the Patuakhali Medical College and Hospital project. Several contracting firms have claimed that key provisions of the Public Procurement Rules (PPR) were violated at the very outset of the procurement process. Although Health Ministry Adviser Noorjahan Begum and Secretary Md. Saidur Rahman instructed an investigation into the matter, relevant officials have reportedly been slow in taking action, according to sources.

New Tk 76-Crore Procurement Package Under Scrutiny

The recently floated tender involves the supply of 703 types of medical equipment and other items for the hospital, with an estimated cost of Tk 76.75 crore. According to written complaints, products of various categories and departments were consolidated into a single package—an approach that contradicts PPR guidelines, which require separate lots for different types of goods and departments.

Additionally, the technical specifications reportedly contain inconsistencies, including low-grade requirements, mentions of specific brands and models, and a reduced warranty period. These practices are considered violations of the procurement rules.

Past Allegations Over Tk 105-Crore Procurement

Earlier, during February and March 2024 under the previous government, allegations emerged that equipment worth approximately Tk 105 crore was procured through significant irregularities. All nine packages during that phase were reportedly awarded to a single contractor—Bangladesh Science House.
According to officials familiar with the matter, the procurement process was marred by widespread malpractice, forgery, and secret collusion. Although payments were issued, many items have still not been delivered in full. The equipment that was supplied was found to be of substandard quality, with fake European and American labels attached.

Accusations Against Key Officials

Sources claim that during the previous procurement scandal, the hospital’s superintendent and project director, Dr. Dilruba Yasmin Liza, played a central role. Her husband, Dr. Moshiur Rahman, an assistant professor at Patuakhali Medical College, was also allegedly involved. Despite unresolved investigations into past irregularities, both officials continue to hold their respective positions under the current interim administration.

Insiders further allege that this doctor couple is influencing the ongoing tender process and that the new package has been structured in a way that would again benefit the same contractor.

Formal Complaint and Investigation Orders

One of the complainants, Md. Enamul Islam, chief executive of a contracting firm, filed a written complaint with the Health Ministry Secretary on 2 November. The letter highlighted several issues, including:

• Consolidating 703 items into a single package, hindering fair competition

• Inclusion of specific brands and models in the specifications

• A shorter-than-standard warranty period

• Acceptance of authorization from local firms instead of original manufacturers

These factors, the complaint noted, would make it difficult to ensure the supply of quality equipment.

The letter also stated that low-quality equipment bearing fake foreign labels had been supplied under previous tenders, which prompted the hospital authorities to refuse acceptance.

The complainant requested that the package be split into multiple lots according to PPR guidelines and that a fresh tender be issued to encourage healthy competition and prevent waste of public funds.

Copies of the complaint were sent to the Health Adviser, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the Director General of CPTU, and other relevant officials.

On 5 November, Adviser Noorjahan Begum forwarded the complaint to the Secretary for further investigation. Although the Secretary instructed the Additional Secretary (Planning) to take urgent action, sources allege that the directive has yet to be properly implemented.