Bangladesh marks Statistics Day promoting quality data
Bangladesh observed International and National Statistics Day 2025 today with a high-level dialogue on 'Quality Statistics and Data for Everyone', reaffirming its commitment to building a trusted, inclusive and future-ready national statistical system.
Held at the Bangladesh–China Friendship Conference Centre, the event brought together policymakers, academics and development partners to discuss how reliable data can strengthen evidence-based governance and drive sustainable development.
Organised by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and the Statistics and Informatics Division (SID), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the event highlighted the critical role of quality data in policy formulation, transparency and innovation.
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Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud, Adviser to the Ministry of Planning, attended as Chief Guest and underscored the importance of credibility in data:
'Statistics are meaningful only when they are accurate, transparent and accessible. Through quality data, we build public trust and shape informed policies', he said.
Sonali Dayaratne, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, served as Guest of Honour, noting:
'Reliable, trusted and inclusive data are the foundation of anticipatory and agile governance—the driving force of inclusive sustainable development', she said.
She reaffirmed UNDP's continued partnership with the government of Bangladesh in strengthening BBS's institutional autonomy, capacity and transparency.
Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, Executive Chairman of PPRC and Chair of the Independent Task Force on Data Quality and Institutional Reform, urged stronger linkage between data and decision-making:
'Quality data demands quality institutions, leadership and accessibility so that statistics can truly serve Bangladesh's policy and private sectors', he said.
Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser (Finance Division), said,
'The role of statistics is not to judge whether the glass is half empty or half full; it is to show what is in the glass—leaving room for informed decisions', he said.
In her remarks, Aleya Akter, Secretary, Statistics and Informatics Division, who chaired the event, reaffirmed the government's commitment to implementing the Task Force's recommendations to enhance the quality, transparency and accessibility of official statistics.
The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by Dr Dipankar Roy, Joint Secretary, SID, with panellists Anowarul Haq (UNDP Bangladesh), Professor Dr Jafar Ahmed Khan (University of Dhaka) and Dr Syed Shahadat Hossain (Bangladesh Statistical Association).
During the ceremony, the Independent Task Force on Data Quality and Institutional Reform officially unveiled its report entitled 'Strengthening the National Statistical Organization (BBS)'. Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud formally launched the report and confirmed that the interim government has already begun implementing several of its recommendations.
Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Director General of BBS, and Kabir Uddin Ahmed, Director at BBS, also presented the institution's progress in statistical modernisation and ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination across the national data ecosystem.
The day's dialogue reinforced a unified national message: that quality, transparent and inclusive data are the cornerstones of good governance and sustainable progress for Bangladesh.
