United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki on Tuesday directed officials to take strict departmental action against anyone found manipulating or distorting information and data during the country’s first-ever census of watercraft. He made the remarks while inaugurating a training programme for census coordinators at the divisional, district and upazila levels for the Watercraft Census 2026. Saki said reliable data and statistics are essential for formulating sound policies and development plans, stressing that there is no alternative to accurate statistics for ensuring socio-economic development and effective planning. “If any irregularity, discrepancy or inconsistency is found in the collection of accurate and reliable data, strict legal action will be taken immediately,” he said. The state minister called for professionalism, transparency and neutrality throughout the data collection process. He said the government is attaching special importance to waterways as water transport is relatively cost-effective, particularly for carrying goods. “Effective use and development of waterways can help expand trade and commerce and further accelerate economic activities in the country,” Saki said. He welcomed the initiative of the Ministry of Shipping and expressed confidence in the professionalism and capacity of the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) to successfully conduct the census. Shipping State Minister Md Rajib Ahsan said the Watercraft Census 2026 will be conducted nationwide from Aug 20 to 29 to help build a safe, organised and efficient water transport system. He said the census is being organised by the Ministry of Shipping with assistance from the BBS. The census is expected to provide comprehensive information on watercraft operating across the country, helping authorities formulate policies and plans for the development and effective management of the water transport sector.

The interim government of Bangladesh is moving to establish a comprehensive 'Statistics Policy' to address longstanding concerns about inaccuracies in data published by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). This initiative follows widespread allegations that the BBS had provided misleading economic data under the previous Awami League government. During the Awami League's tenure, the BBS was repeatedly accused of inflating GDP growth figures while downplaying inflation, raising serious doubts about the credibility of the country’s official statistics. Interim Government committed to curbing essential commodity prices by breaking syndicates: Mahfuj Alam “We are working to formulate a Statistics Policy, which will soon be approved by the Advisory Council,” said Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud at a recent press briefing following an ECNEC (Executive Committee of the National Economic Council) meeting. He emphasized the need for a clear, unified approach to ensure the accuracy and integrity of national data. BBS Under Scrutiny The BBS, which operates under the Ministry of Planning, faced consistent criticism for its inability to provide reliable data. Their capacity is not as strong as statistical institutions in other developing countries, Dr. Wahiduddin said. He pointed out that political pressure had influenced the BBS's economic data, particularly during periods of economic growth and inflation reporting. Sources within the Planning Commission and BBS confirmed that the agency struggles with capacity issues, making it difficult to collect and analyze accurate data. Furthermore, political interference has been a significant obstacle, particularly concerning key economic indicators such as GDP and inflation. Acknowledging these challenges, Dr. Wahiduddin reiterated his commitment to maintaining the independence of the BBS. “I have already informed them that I will not intervene in their reports, regardless of any shortcomings. The data, whether high or low, must stand on its own merit,” he said. NBR focuses on boosting low tax-to-GDP ratio as major business figures come under scrutiny Strengthening the BBS’s Capacity Dr. Wahiduddin, a well-known economist, has stressed the importance of empowering the BBS as an independent entity. He aims to enhance its ability to provide unbiased and accurate data without external interference. Discussions with officials from both the Planning Commission and BBS indicate a strong focus on capacity-building initiatives to improve the bureau's performance. The BBS is currently the sole national statistical office in Bangladesh, responsible for generating and publishing critical data on population, agriculture, industry, and the broader economy. However, under past administrations, its activities were often governed by orders and circulars, lacking a cohesive policy framework. Future Reforms The BBS gained legal grounding through the passage of the 'Statistics Act' on February 27, 2013, which formally outlined its responsibilities. According to this law, the bureau is tasked with producing accurate and timely statistics, conducting national censuses, and delivering data that meets the needs of policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders. However, the policy aims to modernize these functions and address gaps in the existing system. Among the bureau’s future tasks will be updating the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics, standardizing statistical programs to international standards, and implementing a National Data Bank. The implementation of the Statistics Policy is expected to mark a significant step toward bolstering the integrity of Bangladesh’s statistical system, ensuring that data-driven decisions can be made with confidence. Inflation decreases by 1.17 % in August: BBS