Thrust on accurate statistics for proper dev planning

RAJSHAHI, Nov 17 (BSS): Speakers at a daylong divisional workshop here today expressed the view that accurate statistics is the precondition to proper development planning for actual welfare of the people. Besides, they emphasised the need for compiling accurate database and statistics for proper planning to achieve the cherished goals in all national development sectors. To this end, they unequivocally called for strengthening the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). The BBS under its capacity building project organised the workshop titled "National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS)" at the conference hall of Deputy Commissioner's office where some 100 persons comprising academics, statisticians, high officials, journalists and other stakeholders attended. Dr Akram Hossain Chowdhury, MP, who addressed the workshop as the chief guest, mentioned that a flawless statistics is the precondition for taking the nation forward in a planned way. He said there is no alternative to accurate statistics to attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 and Five Year Plan in the process of building Bangladesh as a medium income country through successful implementation of the government's Vision 2021. He urged the officials concerned to conduct the related survey and compilation of its findings through repeated checking and crosschecking. In this connection Dr Akram said any of the survey reports based on correct and authentic data is very useful to planners, policy-makers, researchers and other stakeholders to prescribe appropriate policy measures to achieve the cherished goals. Addressing as special guest Secretary to the Statistics Division Riti Ibrahim told the workshop that various need-based steps were adopted to strengthen the BBS along with expediting its field level activities.