Staff Reporter :
Election Commissioner Tahmida Ahmed has raised doubts over the accuracy of the population data published by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), calling it “questionable.”
“Initially, they [BBS] released one figure, and later it was revised downward. Such inconsistencies raise concerns,” she said on 28 September while addressing a dialogue with civil society representatives in Agargaon, Dhaka organised as part of preparations for the upcoming national election.
Presenting the Election Commission’s (EC) figures, Tahmida said the country’s current population stands at 19 crore, based on the national voter list.
“We prepared the voter list by visiting households directly, which makes our data reliable. According to our records, Bangladesh’s total population is 19 crore, of which 1.51 crore are currently living abroad. In Dhaka city alone, the number is 1.51 crore,” she explained.
Her statement contrasts sharply with the findings of the Population and Housing Census 2022 conducted by the BBS, which estimated the population at 16.98 crore. This gap of over two crore has sparked debate about which figure reflects the actual demographic reality.
On the issue of election transparency, Tahmida advocated for open-space polling, saying it would build confidence among voters. “If we truly want transparent elections, we must create the mindset for voting in open spaces. That would ensure genuine transparency,” she noted.
The remarks underscore ongoing discussions about data reliability and election reforms ahead of the next parliamentary polls.
