Business Report :
The Government of Bangladesh has given in-principle approval to a proposal for importing wheat on a Government-to-Government (G2G) basis to ensure food security and meet the country’s increasing domestic demand. This procurement initiative will be conducted in accordance with Section 68 (1) of the Public Procurement Act, 2006 and Section 76 (2) of the Public Procurement Rules, 2008, which permit direct purchases from foreign governments under special circumstances to expedite supply and maintain quality assurance.
Additionally, the government has decided, also in principle, to reduce the time required for importing wheat through the traditional international tendering process. This decision has been made under the provisions of Section 83 (1) (Ka) of the Public Procurement Rules, 2008, allowing for modifications in the procurement timeline in the interest of public urgency and efficiency.
Sources said, the decisions were finalised during the 15th meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, held at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday.
This move comes in the backdrop of several earlier initiatives and challenges related to wheat procurement in Bangladesh. In recent years, the country has faced interruptions in its wheat supply chain due to global market volatility, geopolitical tensions, and rising transportation costs.
Furthermore, climate-related disruptions in key wheat-exporting countries have often led to supply shortages and price hikes, complicating Bangladesh’s import strategies.
To address these challenges, the government has increasingly turned toward G2G procurement models, which offer more stable and predictable terms compared to open international tenders that are susceptible to market fluctuations and speculative pricing. For instance, in past years, Bangladesh has successfully imported wheat from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and India through bilateral arrangements, ensuring timely arrivals and maintaining buffer stocks.
The latest decision reflects the government’s proactive stance in safeguarding national food security amidst global uncertainty. By streamlining the procurement process-both through G2G agreements and by expediting international tender timelines-the government aims to ensure a steady supply of essential food grains while minimizing procedural delays and cost escalations.
These strategic measures are especially critical as Bangladesh prepares for possible supply disruptions and price volatility in the international market due to ongoing geopolitical unrest and climate impacts on agricultural production globally.
