Dhaka, Aug. 16 -- The execution period of 43.33 per cent of the procurement tenders under five major Bangladesh Railway projects has been extended by 211-1,598 days due to the failure to complete work within the time frame.

A post-procurement review by the Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority (BPPA) found that no contractor faced liquidated damages despite receiving up to 12 extensions in some cases.

Analysing 30 tenders worth Tk 90.22 billion, the BPPA under the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) of the planning ministry found widespread violations of the Public Procurement Rules (PPR).

Tender evaluations in 19 contracts exceeded the legally permitted time frames, while essential documents - such as proof of a...