Published: 15 December 2025
Recognizing that data-driven journalism transforms transparency from abstract principle into practical accountability tool, TIB partnered with the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) to build investigative capabilities where massive public funds remain vulnerable to misuse. "Open Data and Transparency in Public Procurement" provided forty economic reporters from leading media outlets with practical skills to transform complex procurement data into citizen-friendly investigative reports. Participants learned techniques for data dashboard analysis and extraction that reveal hidden indicators of corruption often invisible without analytical tools. The training demonstrated how to identify "red flags" in procurement processes, including strategies for recognizing political connections, detecting collusion patterns, and monitoring competitive environments surrounding government contracts. Journalists gained knowledge to trace patterns suggesting irregularities and trace how taxpayer money flows through procurement systems.
Participants recognized the training's immediate professional value. One journalist said, "Many media houses limit their responsibility to recruitment and neglect skill development. TIB's timely initiative, if conducted regularly, would allow journalists to stay aligned with modern data flows." Another participant emphasized, "The knowledge gained provides a robust foundation for producing in-depth investigative reports to expose irregularities in government spending."
ERF leadership affirmed the partnership's strategic importance. General Secretary Abul Kashem stated, "It was vital for us to gain a thorough understanding of the recent amendments to the Public Procurement Act. This training will serve as an invaluable resource for economic reporters, significantly enhancing the quality of investigative reporting." President Doulot Akter Mala emphasized, "This training will sharpen the investigative hunger of journalists, ultimately benefiting the common citizen. Corruption in public procurement often remains hidden unless journalists shed light on it. Every government purchase involves your money and mine. These contracts are funded by taxpayers; therefore, any mismanagement is a loss of our collective national wealth." She expressed hope for closer collaboration between ERF and TIB to further alert the public about such irregularities.
Dr. Sumaiya Khayer, Advisor, Executive Management of TIB, stated, " Open data repositories are the bedrock of investigative journalism. Every objective report you produce will further catalyze TIB's movement against corruption." Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, TIB's Executive Director, underscored, "In a data-driven world, TIB believes in evidence-based advocacy. Building the capacity of journalists to analyze procurement data is central to our broader goal. Since data is undeniable in exposing the true picture of corruption, we believe this training will play a pivotal role in equipping journalists with data-driven analytical skills."
The workshop outcome extends beyond forty trained journalists. By building ERF members' capacity to decode procurement data and identify corruption indicators, TIB strengthened the watchdog function essential for protecting public interest. This positioned the training as foundation for ongoing collaboration where TIB serves as technical resource for journalists investigating procurement corruption. TIB's data visualization experts K.M. Rafiqul Alam and Rifat Rahman, along with Mohammad Touhidul Islam, Director of Outreach and Communication, conducted the training through case studies and practical demonstrations. TIB's strategic approach recognized that lasting accountability requires media professionals equipped to conduct rigorous, evidence-based investigations that make corruption visible and force institutional responses.
