Bangladesh - Review of iBAS integrated budget and accounting system moving toward 2nd phase of iBAS (iBAS+)

This review of iBAS (Integrated Budget and Accounting System) is an opportunity to assess the state of development and the capacity of iBAS in its current form to be a suitable platform for ongoing development of a budget and accounting system for the government of Bangladesh. iBAS has helped the government of Bangladesh (GoB) and the ministry of finance(MoF) to make considerable and absolutely necessary steps forward in both the use of computers and networks and also in developing familiarity and use of computer-based financial systems. iBAS has also greatly improved the speed of reporting and the increase in controls that improved reporting to management provides. These developments are to be lauded as real advancements for MoF and the government. The major factors considered in reviewing the current version of iBAS as the platform for ongoing development identified a number of elements of a sound and standard form of financial system not present in iBAS and which would form a major hindrance to its ongoing development. Two major options are recommended, and the report concludes that MoF should urgently consider and determine the preferred course of action and place the current version of iBAS on a care and maintenance basis, reallocating resources to whichever of the two options is chosen.