How Defence Procurement Is Undertaken in Bangladesh: Inside the DGDP System

Reading Time: 7 minutes Overview Defence procurement lies at the heart of any modern military establishment. The efficiency, transparency, and timeliness with which a nation acquires weapons, equipment, and supplies directly influence the operational readiness of its armed forces. In Bangladesh, this process is centrally managed through the Directorate General Defence Purchase (DGDP), a government body that serves as the official procurement authority for all branches of the Bangladesh Armed Forces and several affiliated organisations. From acquiring complex weapons systems and aircraft to uniforms, medical supplies, and rations, the DGDP operates as the single window through which defence purchases are evaluated, contracted, and executed. This ensures uniformity, fiscal discipline, and accountability in the acquisition of defence stores — a crucial function for maintaining the professional credibility and logistical sustainability of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. This article explores the DGDP’s background, institutional structure, and the stages of the defence procurement process