WB bars Beximco Computers for 10 months over collusive bidding

The World Bank (WB) has debarred Beximco Computers Limited from participating in projects it finances for a minimum of 10 months after it found collusive bidding in a project in Bangladesh.

According to a notice issued by the World Bank's Office of Suspension and Debarment on June 23, the case relates to the Bangladesh Enhancing Digital Government and Economy Project, financed by the International Development Association (IDA).

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source

The $295 million project of the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) under the ICT Division aims to improve cybersecurity, build resilience during future crises, and enable the government to operate virtually to deliver critical public services to citizens and businesses.

The WB's Integrity Vice Presidency alleged that Beximco Computers and another company jointly prepared bids while presenting them as independently prepared and submitted for two supply contracts under the project.

The notice said the alleged conduct amounts to a collusive practice under the WB's sanctions framework.

The WB said that, after reviewing the evidence gathered by its Integrity Vice Presidency and the company's written explanation, its Chief Suspension and Debarment Officer recommended that Beximco Computers and any entities it directly or indirectly controls be debarred from participating in WB-financed projects for a minimum of 10 months.

The notice said the debarment will remain in effect until the minimum period has elapsed and the company satisfies the conditions set by the WB for release from the sanction.

The debarment also applies to projects and operations of other World Bank Group institutions, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), as specified in the notice.

The notice said Beximco Computers did not submit a formal response contesting the accusations or the recommended sanction within the prescribed period of 90 days after delivery of notice of sanctions proceedings.

As a result, the recommended sanction entered into force under the WB's sanctions procedures, according to the notice.