Scope and approaches of integrating sustainability issues in public procurement process for sustainable development of Bangladesh

Abstract

Achieving sustainable development is one of the challenges of Bangladesh in its attempt to attain the middle-income country status by 2021. Recognising the strategic importance of public procurement, the study seeks to explore the opportunities and approaches of addressing sustainability within the existing purview of procurement policy. A semi structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from 60 procurement practitioners. Economic consideration is given the highest priority while making purchasing decision. Purchasing unit can incorporate sustainability criteria although there is a possibility of limiting competition if they add. Although there is no specific guideline, various sustainability criteria could be incorporated within the existing framework of procurement. Specification was the most feasible ways of addressing sustainability followed by pre-qualification, contract performance clause, contract award criteria, demand analysis and negotiation. Given the increased attention of achieving sustainable development, the study provides fresh input to inform policy development in Bangladesh.