Finance and Commerce Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed underscored the pivotal role that automated government financial services play in curbing resource misuse and corruption.
He highlighted the significance of integrating various financial platforms into a unified management system, which would enhance transparency and accountability across financial operations.
"By reducing the need for direct human interaction through automated systems, corruption can be minimised, ultimately ensuring uninterrupted services for citizens," he said speaking as the chief guest at the launch of several online platforms aimed at increasing the efficiency, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of finance division services on Monday (30 September), said a press release.
He emphasised the necessity of developing skilled personnel and consistently updating systems to sustain the effectiveness of these automated platforms.
The newly introduced services include an upgraded iBAS++ website, an A-Chalan portal, a Life Verification app for pensioners, a paperless online Last Payment Certificate (LPC), an Online Leave Management System for government employees, an Online Government Housing Non-Claim Certificate, and the iBAS SAFE mobile app, which enables the submission of salary and allowance bills as well as access to employment-related information.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Md Nurul Islam, Comptroller and Auditor General of Bangladesh, Md. Saifullah Panna, Secretary to the Chief Advisor’s Office, Md Abdur Rahman Khan, Secretary of the Internal Resources Division and Chairman of the National Board of Revenue, and Md Shahriar Kader Siddique, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division. The meeting was presided over by Finance Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Majumder, with a presentation by Mohammad Saiful Islam, Additional Secretary and National Program Director of the Strengthening Public Financial Management for Service Delivery (SPFM) initiative, showcasing various online platforms.
Md Nurul Islam emphasised the critical role of quality accounting and auditing procedures in ensuring effective public financial management.
He explained that these practices are essential for the efficient and cost-effective use of public funds.
Md.Abdur Rahman Khan noted that the automation of various operations within the National Board of Revenue (NBR) is designed to provide transparent services to the public.
These automation efforts are being integrated with iBAS++ to expand service offerings while ensuring transparency and accountability.
Md Shahriar Kader Siddique stressed the importance of inclusive financial management to support second-generation economic reforms and ensure long-term sustainable financial practices.
Dr Khairuzzaman Majumder highlighted the significance of a modern, technology-driven Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) for effective government finance management, with iBAS++ playing a crucial role in Bangladesh.
In his presentation, Mohammad Saiful Islam detailed the vital role played by various online services offered by the finance division in promoting sound financial management.
He introduced a state-of-the-art website designed to optimise benefits for service recipients, offering real-time data on 'A-Chalan,' 'EFT,' G2P payments, pensions, and personal ledger accounts.
Additionally, Saiful Islam presented the iBAS SAFE mobile app for enhanced service delivery and discussed online processes aimed at simplifying the acquisition of government housing certificates and refunds.
These initiatives mark a significant step forward in ensuring transparent, efficient, and accountable financial services for the people of Bangladesh.
