“Automated public financial services can curb corruption”

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed

Dhaka, Sept 30 - Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has highlighted the role of automated government financial services in combating corruption and improving efficiency within public financial management.

Speaking as Chief Guest at the launching of several online platforms, he stressed that the shift towards automated systems reduces opportunities for corruption by minimizing direct interactions between service providers and citizens.

"The integration of financial services into a unified management system is critical in enhancing transparency and accountability," the adviser said. He emphasised that this shift will ensure uninterrupted services for citizens while reducing the misuse of resources.

The new automated platforms introduced include an upgraded iBAS++ website, the A-Chalan portal, a Life Verification app for pensioners, a paperless Online Last Payment Certificate (LPC) service, and the iBAS SAFE mobile app, which allows government employees to submit salary and allowance bills efficiently.

Salehuddin stressed the need for continuous updates to these systems and the development of skilled personnel to maintain their effectiveness, noting that automation must be accompanied by proper management to achieve long-term success in financial reforms.

Special guests, including Md. Nurul Islam, Comptroller and Auditor General of Bangladesh; Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, Secretary of the Internal Resources Division and Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR); and Md. Shahriar Kader Siddique, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division, attended the event.

Md. Abdur Rahman Khan highlighted the automation efforts within the NBR, stating that these initiatives would enhance the transparency and efficiency of tax collection and other financial services. Similarly, Md. Nurul Islam pointed out that quality accounting and auditing are essential for safeguarding public funds, while Md. Shahriar Kader Siddique underscored the importance of financial inclusion and sound management practices for sustainable reforms.

Finance Secretary Dr. Md. Khairuzzaman Majumder, who presided over the event, called attention to the significant role of iBAS++ as part of Bangladesh's Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), describing it as a key tool for efficient government finance management.

Additional Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam, National Program Director of the Strengthening Public Financial Management for Service Delivery (SPFM), demonstrated how the newly launched services would simplify processes such as accessing government housing certificates, pension management, and salary submissions, thereby reducing inefficiencies and fostering a more transparent system.-UNB

These new automated platforms mark a milestone in Bangladesh’s public financial management, aiming to curb corruption, improve service delivery, and ensure that government resources are managed more efficiently.-UNB