Accurate, reliable statistics key to sustainable development plans

Accurate and reliable statistics are essential for a planned economy, so the importance of statistics is increasing day by day.

The observance of National Statistics Day will increase the application of statistics in all sectors of the country, which will accelerate the pace of economic development.

Speakers stated these views at a programme marking National Statistics Day on Saturday.

The observance is being held on a separate day for the first time this year.

The theme of the day is "Reliable statistics is the key to sustainable development."

The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics took up a series of programmes on the occasion.

Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzak was present at the day's programme as the chief guest at Hotel Sonargaon in the capital.

In his address, the minister stressed the importance of the need for accurate and reliable statistics when it comes to formulating a development plan and making decisions in this regard.

"We always say that the information of the bureau of statistics should be reliable. If the statistics data is wrong, it will bring disrepute to us," he said.

The minister urged the statisticians to be more careful about their jobs.  

Bangladesh Statistical Association president PK Matiur Rahman was present at the programme as a special guest while the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund Country Director Tomoo Huzumi was the guest of honor.

Secretary to Statistics and Information Management Department Muhammad Yamin Chowdhury presided over the function.

Director General of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics Tajul Islam and Deputy Director General Ghosh Subrata were also present on the occasion.

Mohammad Yamin Chowdhury said statistics are always important and have become more important now because there is no alternative to statistics to understand the pulse of the country's economy.

The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics has been regularly providing the government with statistics for development and research in the fields of: education, health, economy, demographics, agriculture, women's development, human resources, and environment, added Yamin.

To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the organisation is now estimating national socio-economic indicators, including the preparation of objective data, and is now giving utmost importance to the quality of data and the needs of the people, said the official.

Huzumi said with the objective of raising awareness on the importance of statistics, this is an important step towards building a knowledge-based society that will contribute to national development.

The slogan of the day connects to Bangladesh's strong commitment to realise the SDGs by 2030, added Huzumi. 

According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the district administration is holding various programmes including a rally outside the capital on the occasion of the day.

At the cabinet meeting on 8 June, the government decided to observe National Statistics Day on 27 February every year.

World Statistics Day has been celebrated in the country on 20 October since 2010 along with other countries.

Statistics Day will now be celebrated twice a year through its observance on a separate day for the first time.

The BBS was established on 26 August, 1974 by uniting four statistical agencies under different ministries.