With the opportunity to rebuild our nation, among the most important components to ensure it is done to the best of our abilities is having accurate and up-to-date data to use.
To that end, the fourth economic census set to begin in Bangladesh on Tuesday and continue until December 26 presents a crucial opportunity for the nation to gather accurate and comprehensive data, a need that has long been overlooked.
What is encouraging to see is that in addition to gathering data through more digital means -- a digital map integrating Geographic Information System (GIS) has been prepared in addition to the tablets used for data collection being centrally controlled through Mobile Device Management (MDM) software -- there are also more avenues explored, such as data on the number of foreign workers in the country, their employment sectors, job roles, and gender distribution.
Historically, the lack of reliable statistics has hampered effective governance and economic planning, leaving policy-makers without the necessary tools to make informed decisions. In addition, previous regimes have all but manipulated data and statistics to further their own agendas, and these are practices that we should no longer tolerate.
Accurate statistics serve as the backbone of sound policy-making. They inform government strategies on everything from infrastructure investments to social welfare programs. In a country that is at such a critical juncture, having proper understanding of the economic landscape is more vital than ever.
By committing to accuracy now, Bangladesh can lay a solid foundation for future growth and development. This is a pivotal moment for Bangladesh to redefine its approach to data collection and use it to drive the sort of sustainable development we have always envisioned.
