Inflation appears higher due to presentation of accurate data: CA press secretary

The country's inflation rate appears to be higher as the interim government is presenting accurate data, said Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam today (15 December).

"During the Awami League government's tenure, economic data was often manipulated and the actual inflation figures were not presented accurately. Instead, the inflation rate was shown as lower than it actually was," he said, adding inflation is currently shown at 13% only because the interim government is publishing all types of correct data.

Addressing the criticism that the government is unable to reduce inflation, he said, "We want to make it clear that we will not manipulate any data. We will show the real data and everyone should be able to see them."

Shafiqul made the remarks while virtually addressing a workshop organised by the Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID) at the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) auditorium in the capital this morning.

RAPID Chairman Dr MA Razzak said inflation was shown much less at this time last year. "Maybe inflation will appear higher this time if it's compared to last year."

Regarding Bangladesh's LDC graduation, Shafiqul said the government has not yet taken any decision yet in this regard as the pros and cons of the graduation were being analysed.

"We will go towards the one that will be most beneficial for us. We are collecting data," he added.

RAPID Executive Director Dr M Abu Eusuf and Research Director Dr Md Deen Islam were also present, among others, at the workshop titled "Current Macro Economic Situation and Preparation for LDC Graduation".