Corruption in public procurement will not be tolerated: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday issued directive to ensure transparency and accountability in all areas, including public procurement, saying any kind of corruption and irregularity will not be tolerated, reports BSS.

"Alongside ensuring transparency and accountability, special attention has to be given to government revenue, expenditure and procurement. I will not tolerate any kind of corruption-irregularity here," she said.

The Premier made this directive while delivering introductory speech of the maiden cabinet meeting of the new government formed after the 12th parliamentary election.

Awami League won the polls held on January 7 with landslide victory, which paved its way to form cabinet for the fourth consecutive term. Besides, Sheikh Hasina became Prime Minister for the historic fifth time as well as her consecutive fourth term after her party won the national election.

Mentioning that corruption is not good for the country, she said that "We will utilise whatever resources we have appropriately, and we will move ahead maintaining financial discipline."

Sheikh Hasina went on, "Our resources are limited but population is large. We have to do the welfare of the people with our limited resources."

Directing the authorities concerned to ensure transparency in the social security sector, the head of the government said that attention should also be given to make sure that eligible people get the old- age allowance and social security allowance.

She also asked the concerned authorities to take measures for controlling drug abuse.