Scholars have long argued that the involvement of a third party like the media in the public procurement system results in good governance. As a part of the Public Procurement Reform Project (PPRP)-II, we have evaluated the validity of that argument by studying the role of mass media in promoting citizen engagement in the public procurement system in Bangladesh. It was found that the media can play an effective role to ensure that the public procurement process is impartial, efficient, effective, and accountable. However, there are many challenges to overcome.
Researchers: Farhana Razzaque
Partners: The World Bank
Timeline: 2007-2013
Status: Completed
Contact: Dr Miraza Hassan; mirzahassan@bracu.ac.bd
Publication
Context
In modern times, mass media encompass much more than just news. In its various forms, mass media can be used for public announcements; entertainment; and advocacy, both for business and social concerns. Moreover, a diverse and independent media sector, as the World Bank stated, can be an effective way to increase government accountability and benefit the poor by enhancing their participation and dialogue. In Bangladesh, media has a key role to play in informing individuals; providing an inclusive and critical platform for public dialogue and debate; stimulating interpersonal communication; and ultimately, policymaking that benefits a greater number of people. Similarly, if the media can be used to promote citizen engagement in the public procurement system, it can eradicate corruption and irregularities from the sector by making it more transparent.
Objectives
The objective of this study was to examine the role of mass media in facilitating citizen engagement in Bangladesh’s public procurement.
This study is relevant to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), particularly to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Methodology
To identify the role of media in stimulating citizen engagement in the public procurement process, we conducted focus group discussions (FGDs), in-depth interviews, and content analysis. Relevant literature was also reviewed for this study.
Findings and Recommendations
In Bangladesh, media can undoubtedly be a powerful channel for transferring procurement-related information, such as tender notices, award notices, etc. In addition, the media can educate citizens about the procurement system by publishing various rules, regulations, methods, and processes of public procurement. However, it was found that due to a lack of adequate information, media often circulate wrong or misleading information regarding procurement. We also found that sometimes reporters publish news in order to serve the interests of particular groups which creates barriers in project implementation. Media personnel also mentioned that every media house has its own editorial policy which does not allow them to report procurement news all the time. Consequently, much of the important news regarding procurement remains unpublished. In many cases, owners of media houses themselves bid for projects. In such cases, they try to use their media for their own interests.
In our study, we suggest that to play a more effective role in promoting citizen engagement in public procurement, the media need to be strengthened first. It needs to be provided with full access to information, build capacity and professionalism, and maintain ethical practices and functional autonomy.