The economic data released by the previous government were distorted, showing artificially low inflation rates, Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, said today.

In contrast, the interim government is now publishing accurate data, revealing inflation has reached 13 percent this year, he said.

Shafiqul Alam made these remarks on Sunday while virtually addressing a workshop organized by Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID) at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital.

“Now that accurate data is being disclosed, some critics argue we are failing to reduce inflation. Let me make it clear: we will not distort data. The truth will be published, no matter how it looks,” Alam said during his address.

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He further noted that inflation figures appeared significantly lower this time last year due to manipulated reporting by the previous administration. The current administration, he emphasized, is committed to transparency, even as it faces scrutiny over inflationary pressures.

Alam also clarified that the government has yet to make a decision on Bangladesh's graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. “We are carefully analyzing the potential gains and losses of LDC graduation. Any decision we take will be in the best interest of the country,” he added.

The workshop featured contributions from RAPID Chairman Dr. MA Razzak, Executive Director Dr. M Abu Eusuf, and Research Director Dr. Md. Din Islam.