Remittance statistics call for critical analysis

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NEWSPAPERS reported that the remittances from expatriate Bangladeshis increased last month. The Bangladeshis working in different countries, mainly in the Middle-East, sent $655.98 million in October. It is a 17.34 per cent rise compared to the same month's a year ago.
The Bangladesh Bank's comparative statistics did not tell the whole truth, nor did it analyse the complete picture based on potential opportunities.
So far an increasing trend in earnings was shown. It was possible as more workers had gone to different countries almost every month. The demand for Bangladeshi workers has also increased in some countries. An opposite picture was also there.
So the official statistics should have compared the growth trend in the context of a growing market demand. The increase in our foreign currency earnings can be shown in many ways. But such showoff cannot be good for the sector. A correct assessment can help the sector grow for an efficient utilisation of the country's manpower. The government needs to pay attention to the sector from this point of view. Media should critically evaluate the progress. The media should also critically analyse the statistics before reporting.
Masum Billah Shepon
Fakirapool, Dhaka