BBS, UNOPS sign MoU to strengthen statistical capacity in Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), under the Statistics and Informatics Division (SID) of the Ministry of Planning, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to strengthen statistical capacity, modernise data management, and enhance evidence-based policymaking in Bangladesh.

The signing ceremony was held in Dhaka, with the Secretary of the Statistics and Informatics Division, Aleya Akter, gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Charles Challan, Director of South Asia, UNOPS, as the Guest of Honour. 

The MoU was signed by Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Director General of BBS, and Sudhir Muralidharan, Country Manager, UNOPS Bangladesh and Bhutan, said a press release.

Under this MoU, BBS and UNOPS will collaborate in several key areas, including:

Statistical capacity building to strengthen methodologies, quality assurance, and dissemination practices; Advanced data management and informatics, including visualization and accessibility; Use of geospatial data and technologies for statistical analysis and development planning; Joint data collection and analysis in areas of mutual interest; Support for SDG monitoring, including localization of indicators at national and sub-national levels; Knowledge sharing and exchange through training, workshops, and joint publications.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Guest highlighted the importance of reliable, timely, and internationally comparable data for effective planning and implementation of development programs. 

He noted that this partnership will create synergy between BBS and UNOPS, bringing modern tools and practices into the national statistical system.

The Director General of BBS expressed gratitude to UNOPS for their commitment and partnership, emphasising that the collaboration would accelerate BBS's modernisation efforts and contribute to achieving Bangladesh's Sustainable Development Goals.

The MoU will remain valid for five years and serve as a framework for future project agreements between BBS and UNOPS in areas of mutual interest.

The Director of UNOPS South Asia stated that UNOPS has been supporting Bangladesh in accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. 

This new collaboration with BBS will strengthen the use of high-quality data and statistics, which are essential for evidence-based policymaking, monitoring SDG progress, and planning development initiatives at national and sub-national levels.

By combining UNOPS' technical expertise with BBS's statistical mandate, the partnership aims to ensure reliable data drives effective decision-making across the country.