The New Nation - Internet Edition

ACCORDING to media reports, the interim government recently held talks with the World Bank to find an alternative way for clearing a huge backlog of audit reports in absence of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Accounts. Some 800 audit reports prepared by the Comptroller and Auditor General's Office, have been pending for review since the dissolution of the Jatiyo Sangsad about two years back in October 2006. The World Bank put forward a proposal for the constitution of a high-power advisory committee comprising independent members to inform the President as well as the next public accounts committee (PAC) of these issues.

The World Bank also informed that the ad hoc committee would not be a replacement for the PAC as it does not have the constitutional authority as the Members of Parliament have. The World Bank, as reported, feels that the advisory committee should immediately be formed 'to make recommendations' before the formation of new committee on completion of the parliamentary election, and the committee could also 'model certain best practices' for the next public accounts committee. A World Bank delegation during its recent visit discussed on how the government could benefit from the planned interim arrangement for reviewing audit findings and suggesting measures for quick disposal of audit objections.

The present government started discussion with the multilateral lending agency in late 2007 to put in place a process through such a committee which could track the work of the parliamentary committee and ensure proper action on recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General's report. While underlining the importance of reviewing the audit reports, the World Bank team covered a number of areas. The importance ultimately lies effectively with the elected body like the parliamentary committee on public accounts.