Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Finance Adviser to the Government of Bangladesh, has confirmed that 40,000 body cameras will be procured for the police at a cost of several hundred crore taka through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to facilitate their duties during the upcoming elections.
The announcement came on Tuesday, 23 September, after a meeting of the Government Procurement Advisory Committee held in the conference room of the Cabinet Division Secretariat, when Dr Ahmed responded to questions from reporters.
Details of the Procurement
- Purpose: To provide police officers with body cameras during elections.
- Quantity: 40,000 units.
- Procurement Channel: UNDP.
- Estimated Cost: Several hundred crore taka (exact figure not specified).
- Funding Source: Bangladesh Government, via the Ministry of Finance. Expenses to be covered from the election budget.
Dr Salehuddin Ahmed stated: “Today’s meeting included a very important matter. The police will be provided with 40,000 body cameras during elections. These are necessary for their duties, and we have approved the proposal. We need to procure them quickly.”
On why the UNDP is being used for the procurement, he explained: “We procure vaccines through UNICEF for similar reasons. If we procure via tender directly, issues arise regarding quality and price. The UNDP ensures both quality and pricing, eliminating the need for direct negotiations with suppliers.”
Regarding funding, he clarified: “These body cameras will be purchased with Bangladesh Government funds. The Ministry of Finance will arrange the budget, and the expenditure will be covered from the election-related funds. The cameras are intended for the police, not the Election Commission.”
This move is aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in law enforcement during the upcoming electoral process.
