Govt trying to correct 15 years of inaccurate data: Finance adviser

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said the interim government is trying to correct 15 years of inaccurate data.

"We are not manipulating any data, rather we are trying to correct 15 years of inaccurate data. Data on export, GDP, and even inflation were manipulated during that time," he said on Saturday.

He was speaking at the launching ceremony of the 6th edition of Banking Almanac.

Regarding data manipulation during the Awami League regime and its consequences, he stated: “Now whenever we present any data, everyone asks whether the data is correct or not.”

“Accurate data is necessary not only for banks, but also investors, since accurate data helps in proper decision-making,” the former Bangladesh Bank governor added.

He also mentioned the necessity of data management through the integration of all types of data in a single window for the convenience of businesses.

However, the renowned economist believed that not only data but also its proper analysis is important.

“Data analysis is important because it helps in understanding the reasons behind it. However, for this, quality of data is important as well as real-time data is needed. Many websites still show data from 15 years ago.”

Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, acting chairman, board of editors, Banking Almanac and also chaired the event.

Abdul Hai Sarker, chairman, Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB); Nurun Nahar, spokesperson, Bangladesh Bank; Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder, secretary, Finance Division, Ministry of Finance, were also present at the event and thanked the people behind Banking Almanac.