Finance Minister Announces Full Autonomy For BBS On National Statistics Day

National Statistics Day was observed with due solemnity on Sunday (November 8, 2026), centered around the theme “Reliable and Accessible Statistics: The Foundation of Sustainable Development and Planning.” A commemorative discussion was held at the Parishankhyan Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka, where Minister for Finance and Planning Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury served as the chief guest. Presided over by Secretary of the Statistics and Informatics Division Md. Firoz Sarkar, the event was attended by Special Guests including Political Adviser to the Prime Minister and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Planning Zahir Uddin Swapon, Adviser to the Ministry of Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, and State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki.

Delivering the chief guest's address, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury declared that the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) will be granted full autonomy to ensure modern data management and evidence-based policymaking. Stressing neutrality, acceptability, and credibility, he noted that reliable and distortion-free data is indispensable for building a modern nation.

He asserted that statistical data must be transparent, dependable, and measurable to retain public, academic, and policy confidence, warning that manipulating official figures is equivalent to the government deceiving itself.

Emphasizing free access to information, Khosru noted that greater data openness enables public feedback, making error identification and policy adjustments easier. He announced an initiative to establish an open online database to facilitate easy access for researchers and citizens, reiterating that state data belongs to the public.

Highlighting the need to strengthen digital infrastructure, he stated that reliable statistics are vital for implementing national initiatives such as 'One Citizen, One Wallet, One Card.' Reassuring steps to restore BBS to full capacity, he acknowledged existing manpower shortages and stated that decisions have been enacted to resolve operational challenges.

Speaking as a special guest, Prime Minister’s Finance and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir stated that public trust must be restored through quality scientific statistics, robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and accountable public policy. State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki reaffirmed that no data distortion would be tolerated under any circumstances, committing to unbiased and accessible information for all citizens.

Speakers concurred that statistics are not merely raw numbers, but the core pillar of statecraft, economic administration, and national planning. The event gathered senior ministry officials, BBS personnel, academicians, researchers, and media representatives. //DBTech/PZUR/SME/MSIP//