Bangladesh scrutinising CPI, GDP data collected during Awami League regime

The main goal is to develop a transparent and reliable statistical system to gain the trust of citizens, says Zonayed Saki

The government is conducting a “forensic investigation” into the data used for calculating the consumer price index (CPI) and gross domestic product (GDP) during the Awami League regime, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Saki has said.

Addressing a press conference at the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics headquarters in Dhaka, he said the government will also review whether any data was manipulated while estimating the CPI and GDP.

The state minister said, “All the information and data from the past is being re-examined.

“It is being looked into whether any information has been manipulated. The government is now emphasising in-depth investigation and review to identify incorrect and distorted data,” he said.

Saki said, "The opinions of various researchers, experts and stakeholders are being sought to ensure accurate results in this process.

“The main goal is to develop a transparent and reliable statistical system to gain the trust of the citizens. For this, a proposal has also been made to form two technical committees."

He said the present government has taken initiatives to modernise and realistically calculate the CPI and GDP.

Earlier in the day, he joined a meeting at the same venue where officials and experts recommended updating the Statistics Act, 2013 to force institutions providing GDP data to ensure “quality statistics”.