Project to buy 261 jeeps stuck in PM’s order

The public administration ministry took steps to procure some 261 vehicles (Jeeps) for deputy commissioners (DCs) of different districts and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) ahead of the national election.

However, the procurement proposal is stuck due to the order of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The concerned sources said that the premier was not told how much money it would cost to buy the jeeps. She asked the concerned authority to clarify some issues in this regard.

Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in a meeting on October 11 in principle approved a proposal of the Ministry of Public Administration in this regard. Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal presided over the virtual meeting.

Sources said that as per rules, when the decisions of the meeting were sent for the approval of the Prime Minister in summary form. She gives a note. The note says- wow much money is needed to buy 261 jeeps? District and upazila offices do not have any cars? How many cars are there? There are vehicles used in completed projects and what they are being used for? Why is the car purchase price not mentioned in the proposal?

A letter containing the Prime Minister's directive has been sent to the Senior Secretary of the Public Administration Department from the Procurement and Economic Division of the Cabinet Division.