BBS Launches New Era in Data Research

Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) has organized a stakeholder sensitization workshop to introduce its newly established Microdata Analysis Lab, aimed at promoting secure microdata access and strengthening research, policy formulation, and public trust.

The workshop titled “Stakeholder Sensitization Workshop on Microdata Analysis Lab of BBS” was held on June 22, 2026, at the ECNEC Conference Room of the NEC Building in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

The event was organized under the KOICA-supported Capacity Building of Statistics Service based on Platform (CBSSP) project.

Planning Ministry State Minister Jonaed Saki attended as chief guest, while Statistics and Informatics Division Secretary Md. Firoz Sarkar chaired the event. KOICA Bangladesh Country Director Mr. Jihoon Kim attended as guest of honor. Welcome remarks were delivered by Acting Director General of BBS Mohammad Obaidul Islam.

Officials highlighted that BBS, as the national statistical agency, regularly conducts censuses and surveys and currently releases reports alongside selected microdata access.

Through the newly established lab, researchers and authorized users will gain expanded opportunities to analyze anonymized census and survey microdata within a secure and controlled environment.

The workshop outlined the lab’s objectives, user categories, approval process, data governance policies, security mechanisms, output review protocols, and future development roadmap.

According to BBS, approved students, researchers, economists, policymakers, and data users will be allowed to analyze anonymized microdata through regulated procedures. Raw microdata will not be allowed outside the lab, and only reviewed analytical outputs will be released.

Speaking at the event, State Minister Jonaed Saki emphasized the growing importance of reliable statistics and evidence-based analysis in policymaking and public service improvement.

Secretary Md. Firoz Sarkar described the initiative as a major milestone in making BBS data services modern, secure, and user-centric.

KOICA Country Director Jihoon Kim highlighted that modern data platforms, data warehouses, SDMX-based dissemination systems, and the Microdata Lab would significantly improve Bangladesh’s official statistics ecosystem.

Participants from ministries, universities, research institutions, development partners, media organizations, and government agencies attended and shared recommendations on data access, security, metadata, and future online services.

BBS announced plans to introduce online microdata access, metadata services, and expanded dissemination systems by 2027.