Public Financial Management (PFM) refers to the processes and systems that governments use to manage public resources. This encompasses the entire financial lifecycle, from planning and budgeting to controlling, reporting, and auditing. Efficient PFM ensures that public funds are used effectively, transparently, and accountably to achieve policy objectives. Attributes of Good Financial Management Systems Transparency: Clear and accessible financial information to the public and stakeholders to promote accountability and trust. Accountability: Mechanisms that ensure those managing public funds are held responsible for their actions and the outcomes of their financial decisions. Efficiency: The ability to achieve desired outcomes with minimal resource wastage, optimizing the use of public funds. Comprehensiveness: Ensuring all government financial activities, including offbudget and extra-budgetary activities, are included in the financial management system. Predictability: Reliable resource allocation and budget execution to ensure that government commitments can be met without unexpected financial shortfalls. Control and Compliance: Strong internal controls to maintain compliance with laws, regulations, and policies governing public fund usage. Responsiveness: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and address emerging financial and service delivery needs promptly. Participation: Engaging with stakeholders, including the public, in the financial planning and budgeting processes to reflect collective priorities and needs. Sustainability: Ensuring that financial strategies and practices are sustainable in the long term, avoiding excessive deficits and debt levels that could jeopardize future fiscal stability. A good PFM system supports the effective delivery of public services, enhances public trust, and enables better decision-making regarding the use of public resources. ….……………. Regulatory Framework of Budgeting in Bangladesh The regulatory framework for budgeting in Bangladesh is shaped by several legal and institutional aspects: Constitution of Bangladesh: The Budget preparation and approval process is guided by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, particularly Chapter II on Legislative and Financial Procedures (Articles 81-92). Public Money and Budget Management Act, 2009: This Act establishes guidelines for obtaining, using, and managing public funds. Budget Management Committees: These committees in various ministries ensure resource allocations align with strategic priorities and goals. Ministry of Finance: Plays a central role with important divisions like Finance Division, Economic Relations Division, and Internal Resources Division overseeing the budget process. Planning Commission and Line Ministries: Support the budgeting process ensuring that national priorities are met. Medium Term Budget Framework (MTBF) The MTBF is a crucial component of Bangladesh’s budgeting process: Objective: Establishes a clear link between budget allocation and government policies, ensuring fiscal discipline, efficient resource allocation, and operational efficiency. Duration: The MTBF typically covers a three-year period, combining an annual budget with projections for the next two fiscal years. Components: Mission Statements: Describes the goals and objectives of various ministries. Strategic Objectives: Align budget allocations with the government's long-term strategic plans. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Measures of performance related to resource allocation and expenditure. Process: Initial Resource Ceilings: Provided to ministries to prepare realistic expenditure plans. Budget Circulars: Issued by the Finance Division to guide ministries in formulating their budgets. Ministry Budget Frameworks (MBFs): Prepared by ministries and submitted for approval, linking strategic priorities to resource allocation ….………………. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) A Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is a cooperative arrangement between government bodies and private sector companies. This partnership facilitates private investment and expertise to develop and manage public infrastructure projects or services, often leading to improved efficiency, innovation, and resource optimization. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 global objectives established by the United Nations in 2015. They aim to address pressing challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change, with the target of achieving a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous world by 2030. Integrated Budget and Accounting System (iBAS++) The Integrated Budget and Accounting System (iBAS++) is an advanced financial management system adopted by the Government of Bangladesh. It seamlessly integrates budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting processes, enhancing transparency, accuracy, and efficiency in managing public finances. International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) The International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) are a set of accounting standards issued by the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB). These standards provide guidelines for public sector entities to ensure high-quality, transparent, and comparable financial reporting, promoting better accountability and decision-making in the public sector. ………………………. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) performs several types of audits to ensure accountability and transparency in public sector financial management. Here are the primary types: 1. Financial Audit1 Objective: Provides an independent opinion on whether the financial statements of an entity present a true and fair view of its financial position and performance. Scope: Includes examining the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, adherence to accounting standards, and the accuracy of financial records. 2. Compliance Audit1 3. Objective: Assesses whether an entity follows applicable laws, regulations, rules, and policies. Scope: Involves checking compliance with statutory regulations, internal rules, and procedural guidelines. 3. Performance Audit Objective: Evaluates the efficiency, effectiveness, and economy of government programs and initiatives. Scope: Focuses on assessing whether resources have been used appropriately to achieve desired outcomes, identifying areas for improvement. 4. IT Audit Objective: Assesses the controls and effectiveness of Information Technology systems within the public sector. Scope: Includes evaluating the integrity and security of IT systems, assessing compliance with IT policies, and ensuring data accuracy. 5. Thematic Audit Objective: Examines specific themes or topics across multiple entities. Scope: Involves focused audits on particular issues, such as environmental policies, procurement practices, or child welfare programs. 6. Transaction Audit Objective: Reviews individual transactions to ensure they are correctly recorded and authorized. Scope: Involves auditing specific financial operations such as payments, receipts, and procurement transactions. These audits conducted by the CAG help promote good governance, accountability, and efficient use of public resources. They ensure public funds are managed effectively, transparently, and in compliance with relevant regulations. …………………. Finance Ministry The Finance Ministry of Bangladesh plays a critical role in managing the financial affairs of the government: Formulating Fiscal Policies: This includes budget development, taxation, and revenue collection1. It ensures resource allocation aligns with the government's strategic priorities1. Managing Public Funds: Overseeing public sector finances, including expenditure control, public debt management, and financial reporting1. Economic Policy: Shaping economic policies to foster sustainable economic growth and economic stability. Financial Regulations: Implementing financial regulations and monitoring compliance to uphold financial integrity. Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) The C&AG is an independent constitutional authority responsible for ensuring accountability in the management of public funds:4 Auditing Government Accounts: Conducting financial audits of government transactions to ensure accuracy and completeness3. Compliance Audits: Ensuring that government expenditures comply with relevant laws, rules, and regulations. Performance Audits: Assessing the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of government programs and services. Reporting to Parliament: Submitting audit reports to the President, who presents them to the Parliament, facilitating oversight and accountability. Controller General of Accounts (CGA) The Controller General of Accounts (CGA) oversees the accounting and financial reporting functions of the government: Financial Reporting: Preparing and consolidating financial statements for the government. This includes monthly and annual financial reports7. Managing Accounts: Overseeing the management and reconciliation of government accounts. Supporting Ministries: Providing financial data and insights to various ministries and divisions to support decision-making. Disbursement of Funds: Ensuring accurate and timely payments of government expenses, including salaries and pensions. ….……………… (i) World Trade Organization (WTO) The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an international organization established in 1995 to regulate global trade. It provides a framework for negotiating trade agreements, and a dispute resolution process to enforce participants' adherence to WTO agreements. The main goals of the WTO are to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably, and freely as possible. (ii) Antidumping Duty Antidumping Duty is a protectionist tariff imposed by a domestic government on foreign imports that it believes are priced below fair market value. This duty is used to protect local businesses and markets from unfair competition with overseas producers who dump products at a price lower than their normal value. (iii) International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) are accounting standards for the public sector issued by the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB). These standards seek to enhance the quality, comparability, and transparency of public sector financial reporting. IPSAS promotes the accrual basis of accounting, ensuring that governments and public sector entities provide comprehensive and reliable financial information. (iv) Integrated Budget and Accounting System (iBAS++) The Integrated Budget and Accounting System (iBAS++) is an advanced financial management system used by the Government of Bangladesh. It integrates budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting processes to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public financial management. iBAS++ helps streamline the financial operations of the government by providing real-time accurate data and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. ….… Sure! Here are four main types of audits performed by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) of Bangladesh: 1. Financial Audit Objective: To provide an independent opinion on the financial statements of government entities. Scope: This audit examines the accuracy and completeness of financial records, evaluates the adequacy of internal controls, and ensures compliance with accounting standards. 2. Compliance Audit Objective: To ensure that financial transactions comply with relevant laws, regulations, and policies. Scope: This includes checking if government organizations adhere to statutory requirements and established procedures, thus promoting accountability and transparency. 3. Performance Audit Objective: To assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and economy of government programs and initiatives. Scope: Performance audits evaluate whether resources have been used wisely to achieve intended outcomes, identifying areas for improvement and best practices. 4. IT Audit Objective: To evaluate the controls, security, and effectiveness of Information Technology systems within government entities. Scope: This audit assesses the reliability, integrity, and security of IT systems, ensuring they comply with established IT policies and effectively support the organization's operations. These audits collectively help in enhancing public sector accountability and ensuring the efficient use of public resources. ….………. Procurement management under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) frameworks involves a set of key features and steps designed to ensure successful collaboration between the public and private sectors. Here are some of the essential attributes: Key Features of Procurement Management under PPP Transparent Bidding Process: Ensures fairness and competitiveness by inviting bids from multiple private entities. This process often involves pre-qualification to identify capable bidders. Detailed Contractual Agreements: Clearly defines the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of both parties. Contracts in PPP projects are more complex and comprehensive, covering aspects like performance standards, payment mechanisms, risk allocation, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Risk Sharing and Management: Identifies and allocates risks between public and private partners based on their ability to manage and mitigate those risks. This includes financial, operational, and construction risks. Performance Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishes benchmarks and key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the private partner’s performance against agreed standards. Continuous monitoring ensures the project meets its objectives and delivers value for money. Financial Structuring and Viability: Ensures the project’s financial structure is sound, with clear funding sources, whether it’s equity, debt, or government grants. Mechanisms like Viability Gap Funding (VGF) may be used to make projects financially viable. Lifecycle Approach: Focuses on the entire lifecycle of the project, from planning and construction to operation and maintenance. This approach ensures that the project is sustainable and beneficial in the long term. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Ensures that both parties comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and standards. This includes environmental, labor, and safety regulations to avoid legal complications and ensure ethical practices. Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement: Builds the capacity of public sector entities to manage PPP projects and engages stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring transparency and addressing community concerns. These features ensure that PPP projects are managed effectively, delivering highquality public services while leveraging the efficiency and expertise of the private sector. ….…………… The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is a crucial parliamentary committee responsible for ensuring accountability and overseeing the expenditure of public funds. Here are the main roles and responsibilities of its members: Roles and Responsibilities of PAC Members: Examining Public Expenditure: PAC members scrutinize government spending to ensure it's been used efficiently, effectively, and in compliance with regulations. They examine the accounts and financial statements of government departments and public sector organizations. Auditing Government Programs: PAC members review audit reports prepared by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) to evaluate the performance and financial management of government programs. This helps identify inefficiencies, wastage, and areas for improvement. Holding Inquiries: The PAC conducts inquiries into specific issues identified in audit reports or brought up by committee members. These inquiries can involve summoning government officials to provide evidence and explanations regarding the financial management of public resources. Reporting to Parliament: PAC members prepare reports based on their findings and present them to Parliament. These reports highlight any irregularities, suggest corrective measures, and recommend actions to ensure better financial management and accountability. Ensuring Compliance: The PAC monitors the implementation of its recommendations by government departments and agencies to ensure compliance and improvements in financial practices. Enhancing Transparency: By overseeing public expenditure and holding government entities accountable, PAC members play a significant role in promoting transparency and public trust in the government's financial management. The PAC acts as a watchdog, ensuring that taxpayers' money is spent wisely and effectively, and that government officials are held accountable for their financial actions ………… World Trade Organization (WTO) The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an international body established in 1995 to regulate and facilitate global trade. It provides a framework for negotiating trade agreements and resolving disputes between member countries, aiming to ensure trade flows smoothly, predictably, and freely. Antidumping Duty An Antidumping Duty is a protectionist tariff imposed by a government on foreign imports believed to be priced below fair market value. Its purpose is to protect domestic industries from unfair competition by leveling the playing field with overseas producers who dump products at lower prices. International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) are accounting standards developed by the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) for public sector entities. IPSAS aims to improve the quality, comparability, and transparency of financial reporting in the public sector, promoting accountability and better decision-making. Integrated Budget and Accounting System (iBAS++) The Integrated Budget and Accounting System (iBAS++) is an advanced financial management system adopted by the Government of Bangladesh. It integrates budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting processes, enhancing transparency, accuracy, and efficiency in managing public finances. Public Private Partnership (PPP) A Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is a collaborative agreement between government bodies and private sector companies. PPPs are designed to combine the resources and expertise of both sectors to deliver public services or infrastructure projects efficiently and innovatively, often involving shared risks and benefits. ….………….. The Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) of Bangladesh plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of public funds. Here are the key roles and responsibilities: 1. Auditing Government Receipts and Expenditure Objective: To examine and ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial statements of government bodies. Scope: This includes auditing all receipts and expenditure of the Government of Bangladesh, as well as those of public sector entities substantially financed by the government. 2. Compliance Audits Objective: To verify that financial transactions comply with relevant laws, regulations, and policies. Scope: Evaluates whether public sector entities adhere to statutory requirements and established procedures. 3. Performance Audits Objective: To assess the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of government programs. Scope: Focuses on evaluating how well public resources are managed, identifying areas for improvement. 4. Reporting to Parliament Objective: To provide comprehensive audit reports to enhance financial oversight by the legislative branch. Scope: The C&AG submits reports to the President, who then presents them to Parliament for review and action. 5. Independent Oversight Objective: To act as an independent body free from external influence. Scope: The C&AG operates independently, with full access to necessary documents and information to carry out audits effectively. 6. Advising on Financial Management Objective: To provide recommendations to improve financial management and governance in the public sector. Scope: Offers insights and guidance on best practices, internal control mechanisms, and risk management processes. ….…………….. The newly introduced Budget and Accounting Classification Systems (BACS) in Bangladesh have several strengths that enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of public financial management. Here's an overview of the key strengths: 1. Comprehensive Framework The new BACS provides a comprehensive framework that integrates various components of budgeting and accounting, ensuring that all financial activities are captured accurately and systematically. 2. Compliance with International Standards3 BACS is designed to comply with international standards such as the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and the Government Finance Statistics Manual (GFSM). This alignment ensures that Bangladesh's financial reporting is transparent and comparable to international benchmarks1. 3. Enhanced Transparency and Accountability By adopting a multi-dimensional classification system, BACS improves the ability to analyze and report financial data. This enhances transparency and accountability, as it provides detailed insights into government spending, revenue collection, and overall fiscal performance2. 4. Better Performance Monitoring The new system allows for better tracking of financial performance against budgeted amounts1. This enables more effective monitoring of government programs and initiatives, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and for their intended purposes. 5. Improved Decision-Making With accurate and timely financial data, policymakers can make more informed decisions regarding resource allocation and fiscal policy. The detailed classification helps in identifying spending patterns and potential areas for cost savings. 6. Facilitating IT Integration The new BACS is designed to be compatible with modern IT systems, allowing for automated monitoring of cash flows, funds control, and expenditure tracking. This integration streamlines financial management processes and reduces the risk of errors2. 7. Enhanced Reporting Capabilities BACS supports more detailed and granular financial reporting3. It provides the ability to report on various dimensions such as location, financing source, and function, making it easier to analyze and compare financial data. 8. Supporting Accrual Accounting The system supports the adoption of accrual accounting in government, which ensures a more accurate reflection of financial positions and performance. This method recognizes revenues and expenses when they are incurred, rather than when cash transactions occur. ….………….. Absolutely! Effective and efficient Public Financial Management (PFM) hinges on several crucial determinants. Here are a few key ones, along with illustrative examples: 1. Fiscal Discipline Definition: Ensuring government spending aligns with revenues, avoiding excessive deficits and debt. Example: A government adhering to fiscal rules, like capping budget deficits to a specific percentage of GDP, ensures long-term financial stability. 2. Revenue Mobilization Definition: Generating adequate revenue through efficient tax collection and expanding the tax base. Example: Modernizing tax administration with IT systems to reduce evasion and broaden the tax base, leading to increased revenues for public projects. 3. Budget Transparency Definition: Providing clear, accessible, and timely budget information to the public and stakeholders. Example: Publishing detailed budget documents and audit reports online to promote public scrutiny and accountability. 4. Public Investment Management Definition: Prioritizing and managing public investments to ensure high returns and alignment with policy goals. Example: Implementing rigorous project appraisal and selection processes to fund only those projects with the highest expected benefits. 5. Accountability and Oversight Definition: Ensuring robust mechanisms for holding public officials accountable for their financial decisions. Example: Establishing independent audit institutions like the Comptroller and Auditor General to audit government financial activities. 6. Efficient Resource Allocation Definition: Ensuring resources are directed to priority areas and used effectively. Example: Adopting program-based budgeting that links resources to specific outcomes and results. 7. Robust Internal Controls Definition: Implementing strong internal controls to prevent fraud, waste, and inefficiency. Example: Using automated financial management systems to track expenditures and enforce compliance with budgetary constraints. 8. Capacity Building Definition: Developing the skills and capabilities of public financial managers. Example: Providing ongoing training programs for government accountants and financial managers to keep them abreast of best practices. 9. Stakeholder Engagement Definition: Actively involving stakeholders in the PFM process. Example: Conducting public consultations during the budget preparation process to incorporate citizen feedback and priorities. 10. Reliable Data and Reporting Definition: Ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting. Example: Implementing integrated financial management information systems (IFMIS) for real-time financial data and reports. ….………. Basic Characteristics of Pure Public Goods: Public goods provided by the state possess the following key characteristics: Non-Rivalry: Consumption of the good by one individual does not reduce the availability of the good for others. Example: National defense; Everyone is protected without diminishing the level of protection for anyone. Non-Excludability: Individuals cannot be excluded from using the good, even if they don't pay for it. Example: Street lighting; Once provided, everyone in the area benefits from lighting regardless of their contribution. Reasons Why the State May Not Provide All Public Goods: High Costs: Providing public goods often involves substantial financial outlays. Example: Building and maintaining national infrastructure like highways or bridges can be prohibitively expensive. Free-Rider Problem: Individuals may benefit from the good without contributing to its cost, leading to underfunding. Example: If citizens expect others to pay for public transportation, they may refrain from contributing, resulting in insufficient funds for upkeep and expansion. Budget Constraints: Governments have limited resources and must prioritize spending. Example: A state may focus on healthcare and education, leaving less budget for other public goods like parks and recreational facilities. Political Considerations: Allocation of resources may be influenced by political agendas and voter preferences. Example: Investment in visible projects that garner political support might be prioritized over less glamorous but equally crucial public goods. Efficiency Concerns: Governments may not always be the most efficient providers due to bureaucracy and lack of competition. Example: Private entities might be more adept at managing some goods, leading governments to partner with them instead of providing certain services directly (e.g., public-private partnerships in waste disposal). ….…………\ (i) Countervailing Duty Countervailing Duty (CVD) is a tariff imposed by a country to offset subsidies provided to foreign producers by their governments. These subsidies allow foreign producers to sell products at lower prices, making it difficult for domestic producers to compete. By imposing CVD, the importing country neutralizes the price advantage gained by such subsidies, ensuring a level playing field for its domestic industries. (ii) Anti-Dumping Duty Anti-Dumping Duty is a protectionist tariff levied by an importing country on foreign imports that are priced below fair market value, often below the cost of production. This practice, known as "dumping," is intended to undermine domestic industries. The anti-dumping duty raises the price of the imported goods to reflect their normal value, preventing unfair competition and protecting local businesses from being driven out of the market. ….……………… Medium Term Budget Framework (MTBF) The Medium Term Budget Framework (MTBF) is a financial planning and budgeting approach that spans multiple fiscal years. It is designed to improve fiscal discipline, expenditure control, and the alignment of budget allocations with policy priorities. Objectives of MTBF Fiscal Discipline: Establish and maintain aggregate fiscal discipline by setting expenditure limits over a medium-term horizon. Allocative Efficiency: Ensure resources are allocated to priority areas in alignment with government policy objectives. Operational Efficiency: Enhance the effectiveness of public expenditure by prioritizing outcomes and performance. Transparency and Accountability: Provide clear, accessible financial information to facilitate oversight and accountability. Effectiveness of MTBF Policy-Driven Budgeting: MTBF fosters a more strategic approach to budgeting, ensuring that allocations are closely linked to policy objectives and expected outcomes. Better Planning: By extending the budget planning horizon, MTBF helps in making informed decisions and managing public resources more effectively. Predictability: It provides a stable and predictable framework for funding, which is essential for planning and implementing long-term projects3. Enhanced Monitoring: MTBF includes performance indicators and targets, which aid in monitoring and evaluating the impact of public expenditure. In essence, MTBF aims to create a more disciplined, efficient, and transparent budgeting process, aligning resources with national priorities and improving the overall management of public finances. ….…………. Constitutional Mandate of C&AG The Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) of Bangladesh is an autonomous constitutional authority established under Article 127 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Here’s a quick overview of the key aspects: Establishment: Appointment: The C&AG is appointed by the President of Bangladesh. Independence: The C&AG enjoys complete independence in auditing and reporting on government accounts, ensuring objective oversight. Functions: Audit and Reporting: The C&AG audits and reports on the public accounts of the Republic, including government authorities, courts, and officers. Access to Records: The C&AG has unrestricted access to all records, books, documents, and other properties related to the audit. Mandate Expansion: Parliament may require the C&AG to perform additional functions by law. Term and Conditions: Term: The C&AG holds office for five years or until reaching the age of 65, whichever is earlier. Removal: The C&AG can only be removed in the same manner as a judge of the Supreme Court. Features of the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) of Bangladesh The Office of the C&AG, also known as the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) of Bangladesh, has several distinctive features: Independence: The Constitution guarantees the C&AG's independence, ensuring audits and reports are unbiased and objective. Audit Scope: The SAI audits all government receipts, public expenditures, and the financial performance of statutory public authorities, public enterprises, and local authorities. Comprehensive Audits: In addition to financial and compliance audits, the SAI conducts performance audits that assess the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of government operations. IT Audits: With the increased use of IT in government offices, the SAI has developed an IT Audit cell to foster IT auditing activities4. Reporting: The C&&AG submits audit reports to the President, who presents them to Parliament. Public Accountability: The reports are discussed by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Parliament, ensuring that findings and recommendations are addressed. ….…………. Tender Evaluation Committee Tender Evaluation Committee (TEC) is a group constituted by the employer or governing body to assess and evaluate the bids submitted in response to a tender. The TEC is responsible for analyzing the technical and financial aspects of bids, ensuring they meet the requirements outlined in the tender documents, and ultimately recommending the most suitable bid for acceptance. Steps of the Procurement Approval Process: Need Identification: Determine and document the need for goods or services. Obtain requisition from the originating department. Vendor Selection: Research potential vendors and obtain multiple quotes. Conduct prequalification if necessary to shortlist capable suppliers. Request for Proposal (RFP): Prepare and issue detailed RFP to selected vendors detailing requirements and criteria. Tender Submission: Vendors submit their bids according to the guidelines in the RFP2. Ensure all required documents and information are included. Tender Evaluation: Conduct a thorough evaluation of bids through the TEC. Assess technical and financial aspects to ensure compliance and value for money. Negotiation: Engage in discussions with the preferred bidder to finalize terms. Ensure mutual agreement on all conditions and contractual obligations. Approval:Obtain formal approval from the relevant authorities.Secure necessary funds and budget allocations. Contract Award: Issue a contract award notice to the successful bidder.Ensure proper documentation and signing of the contract by both parties. Order Issuance: Generate and submit purchase orders to the selected vendor. Delivery and Inspection: Monitor the delivery of goods or execution of services. Conduct inspections to verify conformance with contractual terms. Payment Processing: Verify invoices and authorize payments upon satisfactory delivery. Maintain accurate financial records for audit and accountability. …………………. Legal/Constitutional Provisions of Government Accounts in Bangladesh Constitutional Mandate: Under Article 128 of the Constitution of Bangladesh, the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) is vested with the authority to audit public accounts and report to the President. Public Accounts Act: The Public Accounts Act provides a detailed framework for the preparation, submission, and auditing of government accounts. Treasury Rules: The Treasury Rules govern the control and management of public funds, ensuring proper documentation and authorization of expenditures. Components of Annual Financial Account The Annual Financial Account consists of several key components crucial for financial reporting: Consolidated Fund: This is the primary account, comprising all revenues received by the government, loans raised, and money received in repayment of loans. Contingency Fund: A separate fund used for urgent and unforeseen expenditures, needing Parliamentary approval. Public Account: Includes funds that the government holds in trust or for special purposes, such as Provident Fund deposits. Revenue Account: Shows detailed earnings and spending of government departments, highlighting the fiscal balance. Capital Account: Records all capital receipts and expenditures, including infrastructure investments and major projects. Debt and Liability Statement: Documents the government's outstanding debts and financial obligations. Components of Appropriation Account The Appropriation Account focuses on the distribution and utilization of funds allocated by the government: Annual Grant Statements: Provide a breakdown of funds allocated to various departments and ministries. Original Grants: The initial budgeted allocations for the fiscal year. Supplementary Grants: Additional resources allocated beyond the original grants. Expenditure Statements: Detailed records of how allocated funds were spent. Savings and Excess: Highlight any savings (unspent funds) or excess expenditures (overruns) compared to the allocated budget. Audit Observations: Findings and comments from the C&AG on the appropriateness and efficiency of fund usage. Together, these components ensure comprehensive financial reporting, facilitating transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making within the public sector.