Dhaka: The total number of economic units in Bangladesh has reached 11,877,364, according to the preliminary results of the Economic Census 2024 published today. This figure includes permanent establishments, temporary establishments, and economic households operating across the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the census results show that the service sector comprises a significant portion of these economic units, accounting for 91.23%, while the manufacturing sector accounts for 8.77%. The distribution between urban and rural areas indicates that approximately 29.73% of the economic units are located in urban areas, with the remaining 70.27% situated in rural regions.
The findings were unveiled during the publication ceremony of the preliminary report of the Economic Census 2024 held at the auditorium of the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics in Agargaon, Dhaka. The event featured speeches from Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud, who emphasized the census’s utility for trade bodies, experts, researchers, and governmental departments. Dr. Mahmud highlighted that the rural areas are increasingly resembling urban areas, contributing to diversified economic activities.
Eminent economist Dr. KAS Murshid noted the broad scope of the census results, which provide insights into rural and urban data and employment statistics. He expressed hopes that the final report would shed light on structural changes in the economy. Statistics and Informatics Division Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain remarked on the census’s role in shaping a new Bangladesh.
The census revealed that 30,761,034 individuals are involved in various non-farm economic activities, with a majority being male. The number of economic units has shown a steady increase over the years, with significant growth observed between 2013 and 2024. Despite challenges, such as the unavailability of capital and difficulties in obtaining loans, the expansion of household-based economic activities continues, reflecting a positive trend over the last decade.
Regional disparities in economic activities persist, with the highest number of economic units observed in Dhaka, followed by Chattogram and other divisions. The Economic Census 2024, conducted nationwide in December 2024 using a fully digital system, marks the fourth such census in the country since 1986.