Finance Division Launches SABRE+ to Enhance Public Sector Transparency and Oversight

In a major stride towards fiscal transparency and accountability, the Finance Division today unveiled the key features of SABRE+ — the State-owned Enterprises and Autonomous Bodies Budget, Reporting, and Evaluation System — during a high-level workshop held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Finance Division in Dhaka.

SABRE+: A Pivotal Digital Transformation

“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,”
— Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Adviser to the Ministries of Finance and Science & Technology (Chief Guest)

Dr Ahmed highlighted the essential role of reliable data and internal controls in achieving good governance. He emphasised that timely evaluation and strong oversight are fundamental pillars of effective public financial management — and SABRE+ provides the framework to realise this vision.

Objectives and Functions of SABRE+

Workshop Insights and Key Statements

Presiding over the event, Finance Division Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder underscored the urgency of shifting to a performance- and compliance-based framework.

“This system will help eliminate discrepancies in budget planning and liquidity management. It’s time we make the transition to structured oversight,”
— Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Finance Division Secretary

Additional Secretaries Dr Mohammad Abu Yusuf and Nasrin Sultana, present as guests of honour, stressed the institutional and legal frameworks needed to support the successful adoption of the platform.

Bilquis Jahan Rimi, Additional Secretary (Budget-1) and National Programme Director of SPFMS, praised the system’s potential to simplify complex fiscal processes and align with global financial management standards.

Rahima Begum, Additional Secretary and Director General of the Monitoring Cell, opened the session by noting that SABRE+ is built upon the legacy of the 1985 accounting framework — now modernised for global compliance. She revealed that 84 organisations have already adopted the system, marking substantial progress in digitalising public financial management

Technical Implementation and Fiscal Health Overview

A total of 148 officials from the Finance Division took part in the workshop, which included detailed technical sessions.

Md Firoz Ahmed, Additional Director General-2 of the Monitoring Cell, presented the core components of SABRE+, particularly its integration with the iBAS++ system. The system is designed to capture both financial and non-financial data in real time, enhancing reporting and evaluation mechanisms.

Current Financial Exposure of SOEs & Autonomous Bodies

In a critical analysis, Md Amirul Islam, Additional Director General-1, raised concern over the fiscal imbalance among high-risk entities. With liquid assets grossly insufficient to offset liabilities, he warned of urgent policy intervention to mitigate systemic fiscal risks.

“This imbalance poses serious fiscal risks and requires immediate policy attention,”
— Md Amirul Islam, Additional Director General-1

Reform Milestone and National Commitment

The introduction of SABRE+ signifies a major milestone in Bangladesh’s public financial management (PFM) reform agenda. It underscores the government’s steadfast commitment to:

• Enhancing service delivery
• Mitigating fiscal risks
• Improving resource accountability
• Aligning with global standards

With real-time integration, comprehensive coverage, and transparent reporting, SABRE+ is poised to become a cornerstone of modern public sector governance.