Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the country’s official statistics agency, regularly publishes information on the country’s demographics, health, environment, gender, agriculture, and various important economic indicators.
However, for a long time, various questions have been raised about the information and data published by the organization.
Because the statistics rarely reflect reality. One of the reasons for this was the excessive politicization of the statistics.
According to media reports, the most extensive manipulation of government data occurred during the fascist Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. It was revealed that a syndicate of five or six people got involved in various important data processes, including inflation.
Allegations began to arise that various economic indicators were being exaggerated. Under its influence, the statistical gap with various international organizations also increased.
Economists and analysts mentioned that the previous government used the organization to produce and present inaccurate and questionable statistics on every sector of the economy, from population to GDP growth.
Although a year has passed since the interim government took office, the BBS statistics have not increased their credibility. Recently it published the inflation rate for August. It also came under criticism.
Mentionable, a policy was formulated in May last to establish a data warehouse with funding from Korea. So, BBS will no longer need to obtain permission from ministers, advisers, or any higher authorities to disclose any information. For this, experts believe that some fundamental reforms to the BBS are necessary.
A survey conducted by BBS and the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) also revealed that the public has the most distrust in inflation data.
If there is no trust in information, it will hinder effective policymaking. There will be a negative impact on economic activities. Businessmen and investors will not be able to make appropriate decisions.
To restore trust and confidence in BBS data, it is essential to bring about procedural transparency. Domestic and foreign economists and observers have not been able to agree with the government’s statement on the country’s GDP growth in the last one and a half decades.
To make all types of manpower working in BBS sufficiently skilled, regular training should be arranged both at home and abroad. At the same time, it should be given the opportunity to work independently.
Data should not be allowed to influence. It is important to remember that without accurate statistics, proper policies cannot be taken. And if policies are not appropriate, the overall progress of the country will undoubtedly be hampered.
