B Mirror Desk : Today, on May 18, a national consultation titled ‘Strengthening the BBS R&D Cell: Priorities for Excellence in Data and Research’ was co-hosted in Dhaka by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh, with assistance from the Swiss Embassy.

This consultation aimed to outline a strategic plan for a robust Research and Development (R&D) Cell within BBS. The workshop sought to develop a proactive action plan to institutionalize the R&D Cell as a center of excellence, fostering innovation, improving statistical capabilities, and promoting evidence-based governance. Aleya Akter, Secretary of the Statistics and Informatics Division, referred to the R&D Cell as a ‘timely and strategic investment,’ emphasizing the necessity of engaging young researchers and adhering to global best practices.

Mizanur Rahman, Deputy Director of BBS, remarked that the Cell will improve methodological integrity and incorporate technologies such as AI to address both global and local data requirements. Owais Parray, UNDP’s senior economic advisor, stated that the Cell should evolve into ‘the engine of innovation—experimenting with new tools and ensuring that national statistics stay relevant in a swiftly changing environment.’ Anowarul Haq, UNDP’s Assistant Resident Representative, pointed out the Cell’s capacity to provide ‘high-quality, inclusive, and timely data’ and urged for enhanced collaboration among multiple stakeholders.

In conclusion, BBS Director General Mohammed Mizanur Rahman reiterated the commitment to creating a future-ready Cell ‘rooted in strong partnerships with government, academia, the private sector, and development partners.’ The consultation, attended by over 100 stakeholders, underscored the importance of capacity building, inclusive approaches, and strategic collaboration to modernize Bangladesh’s statistical framework.