State Minister for Planning Jonayed Saki has said the government is committed to publishing accurate and reliable GDP data, stressing that credible statistics are essential for ensuring sustainable economic development.
Speaking at a seminar held at the auditorium of the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) in Agargaon on Monday, he underscored the importance of transparency and data integrity across all sectors.
“There is no alternative to accurate data for sustainable economic management,” Saki said, adding that ensuring consistency in data collection would help eliminate duplication and reduce misinformation.
The seminar was organised under a project titled “Development of Quarterly GDP (QGDP) and District GDP (DGDP)”, being implemented by the National Accounting Wing of BBS.
Highlighting the government’s stance on data transparency, the state minister said presenting reliable information remains a key commitment. He noted that strict instructions have been given at the highest level to ensure data is reported accurately, with zero tolerance for manipulation or distortion.
Referring to past controversies surrounding GDP figures, Saki acknowledged that previous data inconsistencies had drawn criticism. “We have criticised data discrepancies in the past. Now it is our responsibility to present accurate information to the public,” he said, adding that maintaining credibility is the government’s top priority.
The seminar was chaired by BBS Director General Mohammad Farhad Siddique. Other speakers included Aleya Akhter, secretary of the Statistics and Informatics Division, and Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, the project director.
The session was moderated by BBS Director Muhammad Atikul Kabir.
Participants at the seminar discussed methodological improvements in calculating quarterly and district-level GDP, highlighting their importance for more precise economic planning and policy formulation.