Scope and practices of sustainable procurement in Education Engineering Department (EED), Bangladesh: a case study on Sirajganj district

Abstract

Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) is a process in which governments strive to achieve a balanced approach to the three pillars of sustainable development—economic, social, and environmental—while procuring goods, services, or works throughout the project lifecycle. In Bangladesh, the Education Engineering Department (EED) is one of the largest public sector organizations responsible for planning and implementing educational infrastructure development programs. As a major procurer of goods, works, and services, EED operates on a large scale. This case study focuses on the procurement practices of EED at the district level, specifically in Sirajganj District, addressing the three pillars of sustainability. The study aims to assess the current state of procurement practices, identify opportunities, and highlight barriers to integrating sustainability into public sector procurement. Interviews with EED officials revealed that while the preparedness of field-level professionals is generally satisfactory, various challenges hinder the effective implementation of sustainable procurement practices. The findings suggest that for sustainable development to be realized at the district level, a clear and formal commitment from both the central government and district-level authorities is essential. Such a commitment should be communicated through proper channels to ensure alignment and accountability. In addition, raising awareness among contractors, local leaders, and community beneficiaries regarding public procurement processes is critical to easing the transition towards sustainable procurement. The study also identifies several key barriers to sustainable procurement, including financial constraints, difficulties in land acquisition, and bureaucratic hurdles. Addressing these obstacles could create a more conducive environment for adopting sustainability in procurement practices at the field level. Furthermore, additional research is needed to gain deeper insights into the sustainability challenges associated with public procurement at the district level. In conclusion, sustainability should be treated as a strategic priority in public procurement. To successfully integrate sustainability into field-level procurement, a well-structured plan, skilled personnel, a supportive organizational culture, and a shift in mind set are required.