Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Aug 4, 2025 (BSS) - In a significant move to advance fiscal transparency and accountability, the Finance Division showcased the key features of the SABRE+ system-State-owned Enterprises and Autonomous Bodies Budget, Reporting, and Evaluation System-at a workshop held in Dhaka today.

"SABRE+ is more than just a digital tool; it represents a pivotal shift toward data-driven, transparent, and accountable governance across state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and autonomous bodies," said Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Adviser to the Ministries of Finance and Science & Technology, while speaking at the event as the chief guest.

Highlighting the importance of reliable data and internal controls, Dr. Ahmed said, "Good governance requires timely evaluation and strong oversight. SABRE+ gives us the tools to achieve that."

The workshop, organized under the Strengthening SOE Governance Scheme of the Strengthening Public Financial Management Program to Enable Service Delivery (SPFMS, was held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Finance Division, said a press release.

Presiding over the event, Finance Division Secretary Dr. Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder underlined the significance of integrated financial oversight. "This system will help eliminate discrepancies in budget planning and liquidity management. It's time we make transition to a performance- and compliance-based framework," he said.

Additional Secretaries Dr. Mohammad Abu Yusuf (Admin, Planning & TDM) and Nasrin Sultana (Regulation, Implementation, Law & SOE) spoke as guests of honour, emphasizing the institutional and legal groundwork necessary for effective adoption of the platform.

Bilquis Jahan Rimi, Additional Secretary (Budget-1) and National Program Director of SPFMS, in her felicitation speech, described SABRE+ as "a unified digital interface that simplifies budgeting, debt management, and evaluation while aligning with global standards."

In her opening remarks, Rahima Begum, Additional Secretary and Director General of the Monitoring Cell, noted that SABRE+ builds on the 1985 accounting framework but is now modernized to comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and International Accounting Standards (IAS). 
She shared that the system has already been rolled out in 84 organizations, representing a significant advancement in the digital transformation of public financial management.

Over 148 officials from the Finance Division participated in the workshop, where technical sessions showcased the platform's functionality.

Md. Firoz Ahmed, Additional Director General-2 of the Monitoring Cell, presented the core components of SABRE+, which integrates with the national iBAS++ system to collect both financial and non-financial data. 

The system's modules cover budgeting, debt, contingent liabilities, securities, and organizational structures providing end-to-end oversight from FY 2023-24 to 2025-26.

In a critical analysis presented during the session, Md. Amirul Islam, Additional Director General-1, disclosed that total liabilities of 101 SOEs and autonomous bodies now stand at Taka 6,39,782.58 crore, with 26% tied to subsidiary loan agreements. 

He warned that 14 entities categorized as "very high risk" are holding liabilities of Taka 1,72,016.94 crore against liquid assets of only Taka 2,837.23 crore. "This imbalance poses serious fiscal risks and requires immediate policy attention," he said.

He also reported that contingent liabilities, including government guarantees, legal claims, and statutory dues, now total Taka 18,590.74 crore.

The launch of SABRE+ marks a key milestone in Bangladesh's ongoing public financial management reform efforts-signaling a strong commitment by the government to enhance service delivery, mitigate fiscal risks, and improve accountability in managing public resources.