Govt to take strict action against data manipulation


Strict legal action will be taken against any mismatch, irregularity, or inconsistency found during the collection of accurate and reliable data, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki warned today.

Speaking at a training programme for field-level coordinators ahead of the upcoming watercraft census at the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) headquarters in the capital, he stressed that dependable information and data are essential for formulating effective policies and planning.

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He urged coordinators to maintain professionalism, transparency, and neutrality throughout the exercise.

The first-ever such census, carried out by the Shipping Ministry with support from the BBS, will run from 20 August to 29 August this year.

Highlighting the economic potential of river transport, the planning state minister noted that the government is giving special importance to waterways due to their cost-effectiveness in freight transportation, adding that proper use of these routes could bring dynamism to the economy.

State Minister for Shipping Md Razib Ahsan underscored that as a riverine country, Bangladesh shares deep ties between its rivers, commerce, and livelihoods.

“We are yet to utilise the full potential of our water transport,” Ahsan said, noting that initiatives have been taken to ensure the maximum use of waterways to ease mounting passenger and freight pressures on roads, thereby boosting commerce, cargo transport, and tourism.

The survey will provide a reliable and comprehensive picture of the actual number, types, uses, and ownership of watercraft across the country, he said. This dataset will enable future policy-making, strategic planning, and measures to ensure safe and orderly navigation as the government works to restore the lost heritage of waterways and build a modern, public-friendly system.