Concerns have emerged over the evaluation process of two smart prepaid meter procurement tenders by West Zone Power Distribution Company Limited (WZPDCL), with allegations that technically disqualified firms are being reconsidered for qualification.
Controversy Over Re-evaluation Process
Initially, six companies participated in the tender. In the first stage of technical evaluation, only two firms—XJ-ERA and Shenzhen Star Instrument—were declared qualified, while the remaining four were disqualified on technical grounds.
The evaluation report was then submitted to the WZPDCL board for approval to open financial bids. However, instead of granting approval, the board reportedly instructed a re-evaluation of the technical proposals.
Sector insiders claim that the re-evaluation process is being used to increase the number of qualified bidders from two to four. The revised list is expected to include:
• XJ-ERA
• Shenzhen Star Instrument
• Hexing Electrical Co. Ltd.
• JV Ideal–INHE
This move has raised fresh concerns about transparency in the tender process.
Concerns Over Hexing and INHE
New controversy has surrounded Hexing Electrical Co. Ltd. and the Ideal–INHE joint venture. Sources allege that the sample meters submitted by these companies do not fully comply with the required technical specifications.
According to tender conditions, meters must include a dual-coil relay system. However, it is alleged that the submitted samples use single-coil relay systems, which do not meet the requirements.
A document dated October 19, 2024, from the Power Division reportedly warned all power distribution companies in Bangladesh to avoid business dealings or contracts with Hexing. The document also noted that the company had faced blacklisting or restrictions in projects in India, Nepal, and Kenya over alleged irregularities.
Additionally, allegations of financial misconduct—including money laundering, fake billing, and over-invoicing—have been raised against the company, according to related sources.
Technical Questions on Qualified Bidders
Questions have also been raised about companies initially declared technically qualified.
For Shenzhen Star Instrument, allegations suggest that the Data Concentrator Unit (DCU) submitted does not meet the required accuracy class. While the tender specifies an accuracy class of 0.5, the submitted sample reportedly indicates class 1.
Similar concerns have been raised regarding XJ-ERA, with claims that its submitted DCU sample also does not fully comply with tender specifications.
Moreover, the tender required prior experience in BPLC projects. However, XJ-ERA reportedly submitted experience from an HPLC project, which experts argue should not be considered equivalent.
Industry insiders further allege that the company had previously been disqualified in other tenders in Bangladesh for submitting false experience certificates. Despite this, it has been deemed qualified in the current WZPDCL tender, raising additional questions.
Transparency Concerns and Official Response
Experts warn that failure to strictly adhere to technical criteria could undermine transparency and competitiveness in public procurement processes.
When contacted, WZPDCL Managing Director Sheikh Zakiruzzaman said that the re-evaluation was conducted based on updated specifications issued by the Power Division.
“The technical committee reviewed only technical aspects. Whether any company is blacklisted was not verified. The report will be sent back to the board for a final decision,” he said.
The issue has intensified scrutiny over procurement practices in the power sector, with stakeholders calling for greater transparency and strict adherence to tender rules.
