Why Atomic Energy Commission resists joining govt's digital payment system

The finance ministry has been trying to bring the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) under the iBAS++ (Integrated Budget and Accounting System) since 2024 to improve transparency and efficiency in public financial management. However, BAEC employees have resisted the move, arguing that the commission operates as an "autonomous" body.

iBAS++ is a digital platform used for budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting processes. Currently, over 90% of government financial transactions are processed through iBAS++.

But why is there resistance to joining the system if it promises greater transparency? Ministry officials offer some insights into the matter.

The finance ministry, in a directive on 22 April, said starting from FY26, BAEC employees will be required to receive their financial benefits through a Personal Ledger (PL) account under iBAS++, replacing the manual cheque system.

To ensure smooth operations in the interim, the ministry approved the third and fourth instalments of the FY25 allocation at BAEC's request, on the condition that the commission fully adopts iBAS++ by FY26.

This marks the finance ministry's final warning, as BAEC's year-long delay in joining the central payment platform has raised concerns over potential financial mismanagement.

However, following this directive, BAEC employees began protesting, demanding an exemption from joining the central system.

At a press conference held on the same day at BAEC's headquarters, the commission's Employees' Welfare Association claimed that it is an autonomous body and, like other autonomous institutions such as the University Grants Commission (UGC), it should not be brought under the central payment system.

Is BAEC truly autonomous? 

While the employees insist on BAEC's autonomy, the legal definition tells a different story.

According to existing law, the BAEC is a statutory body – created by an act of Parliament and functioning within a legal framework defined by that statute.

Unlike autonomous bodies, which enjoy significant independence in decision-making, statutory bodies remain under the purview of specific ministries – in this case, the science and technology ministry.

During the 22 April press conference, BAEC's Employees' Welfare Association claimed that the ministry was undermining their autonomous rights. In response, the ministry sought clarification from the commission on how such rights were being curtailed.

Addressing the issue, BAEC's acting chairman Quamrul Huda clarified that the commission functions as a statutory body under the Ministry of Science and Technology – not an autonomous entity. Its actions are guided by government policy, not independent authority.

Allegations of recruitment, financial irregularities 

Talking to officials involved with the finance ministry's budget department, TBS learned that nearly 900 officers were recruited by the BAEC without government approval.

An official, wishing not to be named, said several of these officers are drawing salaries under Grade 1 and 2 – top-tier government pay scales – without securing the necessary clearances.

"If the commission comes under the central payment system, these irregularities will be exposed," the official said, adding that the ministry has identified other instances of financial mismanagement as well.

For example, the BAEC reportedly spends 40% of its self-generated income on employee benefits, well beyond what is permitted by government regulations, he said.

The commission's annual income stands between Tk120 crore and Tk130 crore, of which Tk50-60 crore is distributed among employees.

"In some years, up to 12 bonuses have been disbursed, which is inconsistent with the government's pay structure," the official said, noting that such practices are a key reason behind the commission's delay in adopting the iBAS++ system.

Tensions over education, structural changes 

In the 22 April press conference, BAEC employees also alleged that the science and technology ministry is curtailing their authority on matters like study leave for higher education and staff promotions.

Responding to these allegations, the science ministry sought clarification from the commission. In a reply, acting chairman Quamrul Huda explained that promotions are handled by a selection committee under the ministry, following established procedures.

Regarding higher education, Huda noted that any study leave requires prior approval from the administrative ministry, in line with a directive issued by the Prime Minister's Office on 19 June 2011.

Science and Technology Secretary Mokabbir Hossain said that the ministry had approved 168 out of 176 proposed candidates for workshops, seminars, and training between August 2024 and April 2025. The few that were declined had budgetary implications involving government funds.

He further clarified the ministry's stance on post-doctoral studies: "A post-doc is considered a job, not education. The government cannot allow employees to draw a salary while working for personal benefit."

On another front, BAEC employees expressed concern that the ministry was bypassing the commission in power purchase agreements with the Power Development Board (PDB) by involving the newly formed Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL). They viewed this as an effort to undermine BAEC's role.

Mokabbir countered that NPCBL was established to handle commercial operations, whereas BAEC's core mandate, as defined by its founding law, is research and development.

Repeated attempts to reach acting chairman Quamrul Huda for further comment were unsuccessful.

What is iBAS++ 

iBAS++ (Integrated Budget and Accounting System) is the government of Bangladesh's Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), developed to automate and streamline public financial processes.

It supports the entire Public Financial Management (PFM) cycle – from budget preparation to auditing – aiming to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in managing government funds.

The system records all government financial transactions, including receipts and payments, ensuring improved resource allocation for effective service delivery. Through the Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) feature, iBAS++ enables faster disbursement of payments to government employees, vendors, suppliers, and beneficiaries of social safety net programmes.