DHAKA, Feb 27, 2023 (BSS) - Prime Minister's Economic Affairs Adviser Dr Moshiur Rahman today underscored the need for including the informal sector in the national economy.

"The informal sector of the country is very large. It is completely deviated from the formal sector. But there is a relationship between the formal sector and the unofficial sector. So, we should include informal sector in the country's national economy," he said. 

Dr Moshiur Rahman said these while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion marking the 'National Statistics Day-2023' at the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) auditorium in the city. 

Bangladesh observed the day for the third time in order to make the government statistics more public-oriented and also to reach the information to the doorsteps of people.

The theme of this year's National Statistics Day was 'Development of Statistics System, Formation of Smart Bangladesh (Porishongkhan Bebosthar Unnoyon, Smart Bangladesh Gothon)'.

State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Alam also spoke on the occasion. 

Dr Moshiur Rahman said the manpower in the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) should be increased in order to get accurate statistics. 

He said Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman established the BBS in 1974 as a unique and separate body for obtaining accurate information and reliable statistics for adoption and implementation of developmental plans.

Since its inception, BBS has been providing timely and reliable data on policy formulation, adoption and implementation of development plans at national and regional levels, he added.

He mentioned that the use of digital technology in the collection, compilation and publication of information by BBS will accelerate the government's commitment to building a 'Smart Bangladesh'.

Highlighting the success of the development in the last decade, Dr Shamsul Alam said that Bangladesh has received a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the success of its integrated management.

BBS Secretary Dr Shahnaz Arefin presided over the discussion.