Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud on Monday said government statistics in Bangladesh are not manipulated but are often subject to indirect misuse.
“Questions often arise as to whether official statistics are used politically. In reality, there is no direct manipulation but there is indirect misuse,” he said while addressing a seminar at the Bangladesh–China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka, marking World Statistics Day 2025.
The Statistics and Informatics Division organised the seminar.
Explaining the nature of such misuse, the noted economist said that when the statistics are favourable they are published.
“But when they are not they remain undisclosed. In this way, only half-truths are presented. Sometimes, methodological choices are made to produce results that look better — that’s how indirect misuse happens.”
He cited a past instance from the late 1990s when discussions arose over rice production estimates.
“At that time, satellite imagery was used to project higher yields — showing how data can be selectively used to paint a positive picture,” he said.
Addressing the issue of institutional independence, Dr Mahmud said revisions to the existing regulations will empower the BBS to publish data without seeking prior approval.
“Previously, certain statistics had to go up to the ministers or even the prime minister before publication. Now, BBS will have the authority to release data independently,” he affirmed.
Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Anisuzzaman Chowdhury and Executive Chairman of the Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC) Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman were the special guests.
Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman said statistics have become an indispensable part of modern society.
“Over the last 50 years, the importance of statistics has grown immensely. But with it, questions about their credibility have also increased — some justified, some not,” he said.
He stressed that quality statistics require strong institutions, skilled human resources, and sustained funding.
“Statistical quality is not a one-dimensional matter. Institutional reforms and adequate financing are essential,” he said, noting that the final report of the government’s taskforce on institutional reform was handed over today.
Dr Rahman also observed that BBS’s current “project culture” is harming its institutional capacity and called for permanent funding mechanisms for its surveys and research.
The session was chaired by Aleya Akter, Secretary of the Statistics and Informatics Division, while Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) Director General Mizanur Rahman delivered the welcome address.
As part of the World Statistics Day celebrations, the BBS organised a colourful rally earlier in the morning in the Agargaon area.
The global day is observed every five years to promote the importance of reliable data in policymaking and development.