After a decade, the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) is now performing a significant task of conducting the fourth economic census. This comprehensive effort aims to capture the most recent data on the country's economic units. The two-week country-wide census, which concluded on December 26, is expected to yield preliminary data early next year. This decision, made in May last year under a Tk 5.79 billion project, is a crucial step towards understanding the structural changes in Bangladesh's economy over time.
This marks the fourth economic census in Bangladesh's history, a journey that began with the first census in 1986, followed by the second one in 2001 and 2003, and the third in 2013. The final results of the Economic Census 2013 revealed the existence of a total of 78,18,565 economic units in Bangladesh during the census period. Of these, 45,14,091 were permanent, 4,82,903 were temporary, and 28,21,571 were economic households. Permanent establishments held the largest share at 57.74 per cent, followed by economic households at 36.09 per cent, and temporary establishments at 6.18 per cent.
An economic unit is defined as an establishment or economic household operating economic activities 'for profit, household gain or indirect benefit to the community'. Again, an establishment is 'an enterprise or part of an enterprise situated in a single location and in which only a single (non-ancillary) productive activity' is called out or in which the principal productive activity accounts for most of the value added. The 2013 census also mentioned that the basic economic unit operates permanently or temporarily and is treated as the establishment. If the activity is carried out in a separate household room or place only for a shop/showroom/plants, it is also considered a separate economic establishment.
Theoretically, the economic census is a comprehensive survey that offers detailed information on the operational and structural characteristics of various establishments in the country. So, it provides valuable insights into the geographical distribution and concentration of economic activities, ownership structures, and workforce composition. The data collected through the census also plays a crucial role in socio-economic development planning at both national and regional levels.
It's important to note that the scope of a census is broader than that of a survey. In a census, the relevant statistical office gathers information from every member of a population, providing a comprehensive view. In contrast, a survey collects information from a population sample, offering a representative but less detailed picture. Therefore, every census is a survey, but not every survey is a census.
The economic census usually provides key data on the number of establishments, such as permanent, temporary, and economic households, at national and sub-national levels, employment generation, business structure, labour force participation, and private sector composition.
During the latest round of census, information was collected on around seven million economic units across the country. For the first time, data on consumption, expenditure, and profit of these units were also collected. The census also enumerated all establishments engaged in various agricultural and non-agricultural activities excluding crop production, plantation, public administration, defence, and compulsory social security.
Nevertheless, the national statistical agency has undertaken the economic census at a challenging time. The country is currently in a critical transition following a mass uprising that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, the autocratic ruler of Bangladesh, on August 5. The movement in July-August resulted in many casualties, with at least 1400 people killed and more than 20,000 injured due to violence committed by the police and party goons. Dr Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of the interim government on August 8 and has been working diligently to restore order. The revolutionary changeover in the regime has disrupted the socio-economic dynamics of the country, leading to chaos and disorder in various sectors.
Against this backdrop, conducting the economic census in such uncertain times is more complex than when things are normal. Media reports suggest that enumerators and data collectors have faced some challenges during their field work. In some cases, owners and directors of the establishments did not want to provide accurate information regarding income, expenditure, profit and other indicators. It is because they think that these data may be misused or manipulated. Enumerators, thus, have to struggle to convince the data providers that their data is fully protected and there will be no misuse.
The current socio-economic situation also appears less favourable for conducting a comprehensive census. Inflation is rampant, many banks are in trouble, and depositors are facing difficulties in getting back their money; the stock market is in a tumble, the law and order situation is not improving, and political parties are pushing for early national elections. There is a lack of stability almost everywhere, which is also not abnormal under a post-revolutionary dispensation. So, it is not easy to encourage different establishments to cooperate with the enumerators.
The economic census, despite the challenges, will unveil a comprehensive picture of the country's overall economic activities. The final report will provide crucial information on the major economic activities, tax and VAT status of registered establishments, the status of ownership and investment, mode of sales and accounting system, persons engaged in various economic activities in urban and rural areas, the status of workers, and other aspects. All these are vital to understand the structural change in economic conditions and the true socio-economic advancement of the country.
The latest survey will not only gauge the real socio-economic advancement of the county, especially in the last decade, but also pave the way for a more transparent and accountable future. As the ousted autocratic regime distorted and manipulated various critical data and statistics to make the overall development scenario a rosy one, the latest economic census will be a reality check. However, much will depend on the quality of this all-important survey.
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