Export data mismatch remains unresolved despite years of scrutiny

Economists warn that flawed trade statistics could undermine policymaking and damage Bangladesh's credibility abroad

A controversy that exposed serious flaws in Bangladesh's export reporting has lingered far beyond the fall of one government, with billions of dollars still separating the country's key export datasets.

Data released by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and Bangladesh Bank show a gap of nearly $4 billion in export earnings during the first 10 months of fiscal year 2025-26.

EPB reported exports of $39.40 billion between July and April, while Bangladesh Bank recorded $36.02 billion.

The mismatch follows a similar pattern in fiscal year 2024-25, when EPB reported $48.28 billion in exports, compared with $43.97 billion recorded by the central bank -- a difference of $4.31 billion.

Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) President Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez, a former BGMEA president, expressed frustration.

“After everything that has happened, I do not understand why there is still a gap between EPB and Bangladesh Bank data. This is not desirable at all,” he told bdnews24.com.

The issue first drew attention in July 2024 when Bangladesh Bank disclosed that export earnings entering the country did not match EPB's reported figures.

At the time, the gap for the first 11 months of fiscal year 2023-24 stood at $10.81 billion.

Following criticism, the EPB temporarily halted publication of updated export data and later blamed duplicate counting of exports in information sourced from the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

Officials pledged coordinated reporting involving the EPB, NBR, Bangladesh Bank and the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics.

Yet discrepancies remain.

Parvez said a $4 billion gap in 10 months was unacceptable and could lead to flawed policy decisions, inaccurate business planning and mistakes in setting export targets.

Policy Exchange Bangladesh Chairman Masrur Reaz was equally critical.

“Why should such a large gap still exist? It needs to be corrected. It damages Bangladesh's image with international organisations,” he said.

“I believe the problem lies in the EPB's data. Bangladesh Bank's figures are the correct ones. A small difference is understandable, but a $4 billion discrepancy in 10 months cannot be accepted.”

EPB Vice-Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif said export statistics were being published monthly in coordination with NBR and Bangladesh Bank under IMF guidelines.

“I have analysed data from several months myself and found no major differences,” he said, adding that he would examine the figures after being asked about the $4 billion gap.

Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arief Hossain Khan said officials from the central bank, the EPB and NBR had previously worked out a solution.

“I do not understand why such a large gap still exists. I will discuss the matter with our officials to identify the problem,” he said.