Reliable Data for Sustainable Development

A Case of Waqf Statistics in Bangladesh

Abstract

This article reviews the role of generating reliable data focusing on  Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to measure the success of sustainable development in Bangladesh. In this age of rapidly changing world, the current, reliable, timely and trusted data is considered  crucial in formulating evidence-based policy making. The covid-19 pandemic has shown us how daily confirmed cases, death and recovery data and their demographic (i.e., age and sex) and district-wise distribution are essential for formulating policies to address the pandemic-induced economic crisis. Despite this importance, data is not very reliable in Bangladesh. One major reason is that the data is not updated regularly. In this case, we can refer to the 1986 Waqf Census Report of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).  The census data reveals that Waqf has played a significant socioeconomic role in Bangladesh by financing human capital development. However, since this census has not been updated in the last 35 years, there is  no comprehensive study on Waqf properties and the full potential of waqf in socioeconomic development has not been realized . We recommend the BBS to take the initiative to update the waqf data to monitor and ensure the accountability of the waqf estate in Bangladesh.