Pre Report Econo Cen 13

Preliminary Report on Economic Census 2013
PRELIMINARY REPORT ON
EC O N O M I C C EN SU S 2 0 1 3
NOVEMBER 2013
BANGLADESH BUREAU OF STATISTICS (BBS)

STATISTICS AND INFORMATICS DIVISION (SID)
MINISTRY OF PLANNING
GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH
www.bbs.gov.bd
[ii]
Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) A K Khandker, BU
Minister
Ministry of Planning
Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
MESSAGE
I am glad to know that Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) successfully conducted
the nationwide Economic Census during 31 March-31 May 2013 in two phases. It is a
great occasion today that we are releasing the preliminary report of Economic
Census 2013. The preliminary report is published as an interim measure to meet the
growing need of the users. This report has been prepared on the basis of compilation
of Tally Sheet.
It may be mentioned that the present government has given emphasis on the collection
and compilation of quality statistical data and its timely release for national planning
and policy making. In view of this, we have not only re-established the Statistics
Division but also strengthened as Statistics and Informatics Division (SID). We have
already started to re-organize and re-engineer the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics as
an efficient National Statistical Organization (NSO). The Statistics Act 2013 has been
enacted in the National Parliament to eliminate the duplication of data generation by
the several government agencies by mandating BBS as the standalone national agency
to produce official statistics in coordination with all stakeholders.
Realizing the importance of Statistics, the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had established BBS in 1974 bringing together the then
existing five statistical organizations. Statistics Division was established in 1975 to
provide policy guidance to BBS. Since then BBS has been conducting periodic
censuses and surveys under the administrative guidance of the Statistics Division.
Unfortunately, Statistics Division was abolished in 2002 which was detrimental to
the statistical system of the country.
Ever since its establishment BBS has been regularly conducting different censuses
including the Economic Census. The first non-agricultural economic census was
conducted in 1986. The second economic census was conducted in two phases- in
2001 (urban) & in 2003 (rural) and the third one was held in 2013.
The report contains key information on number of establishments, their types,
activities classified as major industry, ISIC/BSIC category, division and group level. I
hope that the report will help policy makers, planners and other development
partners in formulating policies, fixing strategies and undertaking programmes for the
overall development of the country.
I thank all the officials and staff members of BBS and SID for bringing out this
preliminary report with efficiency and speed. I would like to thank persons both
within and outside the government who contributed in the smooth implementation
of the census programme and made it a success.
Agrahayon, 1419 Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) A K Khandker, BU

November, 2013
[iv]
Md. Nojibur Rahman
Secretary
Statistics and Informatics Division (SID)
FOREWORD
I am happy to learn that the preliminary report of the Economic Census 2013 held
during 31 March-31 May 2013 is going to be published by the Bangladesh Bureau of
Statistics. This is the first full count census covering all sectors of the economy
throughout the country at a time.
The objective of the report is to provide up-to-date information on the number of
establishments, types and activities classified by major industries. I hope that the final
report would be published soon and included detailed information available from the
census.
Economic Census 2013 was different from earlier censuses in different dimensions.
Listing operation of all Households and Establishments was conducted before the
main census. The collected information was captured through Union Information
Service Center (UISC) and transmitted to BBS Headquarters through internet.
Meetings with business communities and other stakeholders such as Federation of
Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI), Dhaka Chambers of
Commerce and Industries (DCCI), Shop Owners Association, Business Associations,
Local Administrations etc. were arranged. Some important Statistical Classifications-
Bangladesh Standard Industrial Classification (BSIC) 2009, Bangladesh Central
Product Classification (BCPC) etc. were used. Field Level Budget Allocations were
displayed in the Offices of Deputy Commissioners, Regional Statistical Officers,
Upazila Statistical Officers and other important notice boards so that financial
transparency can be ensured. Initiatives for conducting Post Enumeration Check
(PEC) survey by an Independent Organization has been undertaken for evaluating the
quality and coverage of the main census. Wide media campaign was launched to
make the people aware regarding the census.
I extend my deep appreciation to Director General of BBS, the Project Management
Team (PMT) and other officials of BBS for their sincere efforts for conducting the
census & the publication of this report. I will be failing in my duty if I do not
acknowledge the valuable contribution and analytical inputs from the distinguished
Chairperson and Members of the Technical Committee in finalizing this preliminary
report within the shortest possible time. The Members of the Steering Committee also
deserve a special acknowledgement for providing necessary guidance and ensuring
the oversight which immensely helped the PMT to achieve results. Finally, I offer our
deepest gratitude to our esteemed citizens who extended all-out cooperation for the
smooth conduct of the census.
Suggestions and comments on the report are most welcome as BBS has been striving
for excellence.
Agrahayon, 1419 Md. Nojibur Rahman

November, 2013
[vi]
Golam Mostafa Kamal
Director General
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS)
PREFACE
The third Economic Census throughout the country was successfully conducted by
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) during 31 March - 31 May 2013 in two
phases. It is the second major statistical operation of the BBS and involves massive
operation both at the field & national level. The main objectives of the census are to
provide an updated frame for undertaking future socio-economic surveys for revising
and updating the national income accounts. A major breakthrough has been made in
the system of classification of all enterprises & establishments following International
Standard Industrial Classifications (ISIC) Rev-IV. Another improvement has been
brought through collecting the information on employment which will facilitate
classification of the economic units into size groups. This census will also be used to
prepare a business register of all economic activities for conducting future
establishment & institution based surveys.
In order to meet the needs of government administration, policy makers, planners and
other users this preliminary report has been prepared based on the tally sheets
(summary results) containing key information on number of total units, permanent
establishments, temporary establishments, households with economic activities and
the sectoral categories of establishments by administrative divisions. The results of
the preliminary report may slightly differ from those of the final report as it will be
prepared after processing all census questionnaires.
I gratefully acknowledge the contribution of the Secretary, Statistics and Informatics

Division (SID) for his overall guidance and encouragement in conducting the census
and bringing out this preliminary report. Thanks to the officials and employees of
BBS who worked hard with utmost sincerity from the very beginning of planning of
the census to its implementation and bringing out this report in time. Special thanks
are also due to distinguished members of the Census Technical Committee for their
contribution in the analytical improvement of the report. The report preparation
committee also deserves appreciation for preparing and finalizing the report with
utmost sincerity and dedication.
Suggestions and comments for further improvement of the report will be highly
appreciated.
Agrahayon, 1419 Golam Mostafa Kamal

November, 2013
§
[viii]
Md. Dilder Hossain
Project Director
Economic Census 2013 Project
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my profound regards and deep gratitude to Mr. Md. Nojibur
Rahman, Secretary, Statistics and Informatics Division and Mr. Golam Mostafa
Kamal, Director General, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics who suggested numerous
improvements for publishing the Preliminary Report of Economic Census 2013. Their
experiences of varying backgrounds, interest in and knowledge of the subject, helped
to shape the report into its final form.
We are also grateful to the Members of the Preliminary Report Preparation

Committee and also to Preliminary Report Finalization Committee for providing their
valuable suggestions and guidelines in preparing this report. Special thanks are due to
Mr. Md. Shamsul Alam, Director-in-charge, Industry and Labour Wing, Dr. Dipankar
Roy, Deputy Director, Mr. Kabir Uddin Ahmed, Deputy Director, Mr. Mashud Alam,
Joint Director, BBS, Mr. A K M Ashraful Haque, Mr. Md. Golam Mostofa, Deputy
Project Director, Economic Census 2013, Mr. Md. Alamgir Hossen, Statistical Officer
and Mr. Mohiuddin Ahmed, Statistical Officer for their relentless efforts in preparing
this report and making it a success. We also acknowledge the contribution of Mr. Md.
Zahidul Hoque Sardar, Director, Census Wing, BBS. The members of the core
training team (CTT) also deserve special thanks for their contribution in the whole
process.
Comments and Suggestions for further improvement of the report in future will be
highly appreciated.
Agrahayon, 1419 Md. Dilder Hossain

November, 2013
§
[x]
CONTENTS
MESSAGE ..................................................................................................................................... iii
FOREWORD ................................................................................................................................... v
PREFACE ......................................................................................................................................vii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................ix
LIST OF TABLES & FIGURES ...................................................................................................xii
ACRONYMS ............................................................................................................................... xiii
KEY FINDINGS OF THE ECONOMIC CENSUS 2013 ............................................................. xv
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...........................................................................................................xix
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Background ................................................................................................................. 3
1.2 Objectives 4
1.3 Scope and Coverage .................................................................................................... 5
CHAPTER 2: CENSUS PLANNING AND OPERATION ............................................................ 7

2.1 Census Process ............................................................................................................ 9
2.1.1 Listing of Establishments and Households...................................................................... 9
2.1.2 Zonal Operation .............................................................................................................. 9
2.1.3 Pilot Census .................................................................................................................. 10
2.1.4 Mapping & Geo-Coding ............................................................................................... 10
2.1.5 Manuals and Control Forms ......................................................................................... 10
2.1.6 Campaign ...................................................................................................................... 11
2.1.7 Training and Data Collection ....................................................................................... 12
2.2 Limitations of the Preliminary Report ...................................................................... 13
CHAPTER 3: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS ................................................................................. 15

3.1 Total Economic Units ............................................................................................... 17
3.2 Distribution of Economic Units by Type in the Last Three Censuses (1986-2013) . 17
3.3 Distribution of Economic Units by Division ............................................... 19
3.4 Inter-censal Growth of Economic Units by Division, 1986-2013 ............... 21
3.5 Distribution of Economic Units by Division and Locality. ......................... 23
3.6 Distribution of Economic Units by Broad Industrial Classification ......................... 27
3.7 Summary and Policy Implications ............................................................................ 31
3.7.1 Non-farm activities constitute the dominant component of the economy ...................... 31
3.7.2 There has been rapid growth in total economic units during the past decade .............. 31
3.7.3 Informal sector has been an important component of this growth dynamics ................ 32
3.7.4 Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions have recorded highest increase in total economic units
............................................................................................................................................... 32
BIBLIOGRAPHY .......................................................................................................................... 33
ANNEX .......................................................................................................................................... 35
Annex-I : Concepts & Definitions ............................................................................. 36
Annex-II : Definitions of Broad Industrial Classifications......................................... 40
Annex-III : Persons involved in Preparation of this Report ......................................... 45
Annex-IV : Census Questionnaire ................................................................................ 46
Annex-V : Census Tally Sheet .................................................................................... 47
Annex-VII : Glimpses of different activities during the Economic Census 2013 .................... 48
[xi]
LIST OF TABLES & FIGURES
List of Tables:
Table 3.1 : Distribution of Economic Units by Type in the Last Three Economic Censuses .............. 17
Table 3.2 : Distribution of Economic Units in 2013 by Type and Division ......................................... 20
Table 3.3 : Distribution & Inter-censal Growth of Economic Units over the last three Economic
Censuses by Division ........................................................................................................ 21
Table 3.4 : Distribution & Inter-censal Growth of Economic Units over the last three Economic
Censuses by Division and by Type .................................................................................... 22
Table 3.5 : Percentage Distribution of Economic Units by Division and Locality ............................. 23
Table 3.6 : Distribution & Inter-censal Growth of Total Economic Units by Division and
Locality ............................................................................................................................. 24
Table 3.7 : Inter-censal Growth of Permanent Economic Establishments during 2001 & 03 and
2013 by Division and Locality .......................................................................................... 25
Table 3.8 : Inter-censal Growth of Temporary Economic Establishments during 2001 & 03 and
2013 by Division and Locality .......................................................................................... 26
Table 3.9 : Inter-censal Growth of Economic Households during 2001 & 03 and 2013 by
Division and Locality ........................................................................................................ 26
Table 3.10 : Distribution of Economic Units by Broad Industrial Classification & Division ............... 28
List of Figures:
Map : Distribution of Economic Units by Division .................................................................... xvii
Figure 1 : Distribution of Economic Units in 2013 by Type .............................................................. 18
Figure 2 : Percentage Distribution of Economic Units by Type in the Last Three Censuses ............ 19
§
Figure 3 : Total Number of Economic Units in 2013 by Division and Type ...................................... 20
Figure 4 : Distribution of Economic Units by Locality in 2013 ......................................................... 24
Figure 5 : Distribution of Wholesale and Retail Trade, Repair of Motor Vehicles and
Motorcycles Units by Division in 2013 ............................................................................. 30
Figure 6 : Distribution of Transportation and Storage Units by Division in 2013 ............................ 30
Figure 7 : Distribution of Manufacturing Units by Division in 2013 ................................................ 31
[xii]
ACRONYMS
AEIS Annual Establishment and Institutional Survey
BBS Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics
BCPC Bangladesh Central Product Classifications
BSCO Bangladesh Standard Classification of Occupations
BSIC Bangladesh Standard Industrial Classifications
CPC Central Product Classifications
CTT Core Training Team
DCC District Census Coordinator
DCCI Dhaka Chambers of Commerce and Industries
DPP Development Project Proforma
EC Economic Census
EA Enumeration Area
EH Economic Household
FBCCI Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GIS Geographical Information System
GOB Government of Bangladesh
ISCO International Standard Classification of Occupation
ISIC International Standard Industrial Classification
NSO National Statistical Organization
PE Permanent Establishment
PEC Post Enumeration Check §
PMT Project Management Team

RSO Regional Statistical Officers
SID Statistics and Informatics Division
SNA System of National Accounts
TE Temporary Establishment
TPE Total Persons Engaged
UISC Union Information Service Center
UN United Nations
UCC Upazila Census Coordinator
VAT Value Added Tax
ZO Zonal Officer
[xiii]
[xiv]
KEY FINDINGS OF THE ECONOMIC CENSUS 2013
2013 2001 & 2003 1986
Indicators Economic Economic Economic
% % %
Units Units Units
Total Economic Units by Type
Permanent Establishment 4534616 56.2 2991238 80.7 1561949 72.0
Temporary Establishment 501690 6.2 335851 9.1 62041 2.9
Economic Household* 3039398 37.6 381055 10.3 545429 25.1
Total 8075704 100.0 3708144 100.0 2169419 100.0
Total Economic Units
Rural 5817724 72.0 2321726 62.6 - -
Urban 2257980 28.0 1386418 37.4 - -
Total 8075704 100.0 3708144 100.0 2169419 100.0
Permanent Establishments
Rural 2965968 65.4 1872804 62.6 - -
Urban 1568648 34.6 1118434 37.4 - -
Total 4534616 100.0 2991238 100.0 1561949 100.0
Temporary Establishments
Rural 305522 60.9 130177 38.8 - -
Urban 196168 39.1 205674 61.2 - -
Total 501690 100.0 335851 100.0 62041 100.0
Economic Households*
Rural 2546234 83.8 318745 83.6 - -
Urban 493164 16.2 62310 16.4 - -
Total 3039398 100.0 381055 100.0 545429 100.0
Total Economic Units by division
Barisal 385233 4.8 205263 5.5 144299 6.7
Chittagong 1384757 17.1 670544 18.1 455141 21.0
Dhaka 2599372 32.2 1194638 32.2 665799 30.7
Khulna 1034581 12.8 545918 14.7 299903 13.8
Rajshahi 1217633 15.1 499873 13.5 287699 13.3
Rangpur 1088255 13.5 405583 10.9 208135 9.6
Sylhet 365873 4.5 186325 5.0 108443 5.0
Total 8075704 100.0 3708144 100.0 2169419 100.0
Permanent Establishments by
division
Barisal 264402 5.8 188242 6.3 120920 7.7
Chittagong 878494 19.4 600250 20.1 378999 24.3
Dhaka 1599711 35.3 968616 32.4 460264 29.5
Khulna 522254 11.5 397076 13.3 189396 12.1
Rajshahi 547839 12.1 364228 12.2 172611 11.1
Rangpur 477935 10.5 320372 10.7 151938 9.7
Sylhet 243981 5.4 152454 5.1 87821 5.6
Total 4534616 100.0 2991238 100.0 1561949 100.0
Temporary Establishments by
division
Barisal 14930 3.0 10620 3.2 880 1.4
Chittagong 91732 18.3 43963 13.1 8577 13.8
Dhaka 189706 37.8 131532 39.2 32371 52.2
Khulna 56717 11.3 46852 14.0 5824 9.4
Rajshahi 55539 11.1 39295 11.7 5953 9.6
Rangpur 58191 11.6 41866 12.5 4833 7.8
[xv]
2013 2001 & 2003 1986

Indicators Economic Economic Economic
% % %
Units Units Units
Sylhet 34875 7.0 21723 6.5 3603 5.8
Total 501690 100.0 335851 100.0 62041 100.0
Economic Households* by
division
Barisal 105901 3.5 6401 1.7 22499 4.1
Chittagong 414531 13.6 26331 6.9 67565 12.4
Dhaka 809955 26.6 94490 24.8 173164 31.7
Khulna 455610 15.0 101990 26.8 104683 19.2
Rajshahi 614255 20.2 96350 25.3 109135 20.0
Rangpur 552129 18.2 43345 11.4 51364 9.4
Sylhet 87017 2.9 12148 3.2 17019 3.1
Total 3039398 100.0 381055 100.0 545429 100.0
Total Economic Units by
Locality
City Corporation 944126 11.7 - -
Paurashava 1197473 14.8 1386418 37.4 - -
Upazila Headquarters 116381 1.4 - -
Rural 5817724 72.0 2321726 62.6 - -
Total 8075704 100.0 3708144 100 62041 100.0
Permanent Establishments by
Locality
Paurashava 770439 17.0 1118434 37.4 - -
ȗ

Rural 2965968 65.4 1872804 62.6 - -
Total 4534616 100.0 2991238 100.0 1561949 100.0
Temporary Establishments by
Locality
Paurashava 89661 17.9 205674 61.2 - -
Rural 305522 60.9 130177 38.8 - -
Total 501690 100.0 335851 100.0 62041 100.0
Economic Households* by
Locality
Paurashava 337373 11.1 62310 16.4 - -
Rural 2546234 83.8 318745 83.6 - -
Total 3039398 100.0 381055 100.0 545429 100.0
*Economic Census 2013 includes premise based economic activities as well as floating economic activities taking place outside
the households without having any structure but operated by households, while EC 2001& 03 covered only premise based
economic activities.
[xvi]
Map: Distribution of Economic Units by Division
[xvii]
[xviii]
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Economic Census is the complete enumeration of the full set of economic units
belonging to a given population or universe at a particular time with respect to well
defined economic characteristics. The whole process of collecting, compiling,
processing, analyzing and publishing economic data pertaining to all economic units
in a country is termed as Economic Census.
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) of the Statistics and Informatics Division

(SID) has been conducting Economic Census since 1986 and, meanwhile, three
rounds have been completed. The first Economic Census entitled ‘Census on Non-
farm Economic Activities and Disabled Persons’ was conducted in December 27-29,
1986 throughout the country. It covered both establishment and households with
economic activities and kept agricultural households outside the purview of the
economic census. The second Economic Census of the country was held in two
phases: the first phase in 27-31May 2001 in the urban areas and the second in 20-26
April 2003 in rural areas. It covered all nonfarm economic activities both in urban and
rural areas including three types of economic units such as permanent and temporary
establishments and premises based household economic activities were covered.
The third Economic Census was conducted during 31 March to 31 May 2013 across
the country to measure the nature of structural change occurring in the economy over
the last decade, and to provide comprehensive statistical information for economic
and social development planning, policy making. Data collection was carried out in
two phases: first phase during 15-24 April 2013 in 37 districts and second phase
during 15-24 May 2013 in 27 districts. The census has covered both economic
households and all sorts of temporary and permanent establishments.
New Horizon in the Census Process
Listing Operation
A complete list of all establishments and households of the country was prepared
for the first time before the main enumeration. Both households and
establishments irrespective of their nature, that is, temporary or permanent were
enlisted. From this list, only economic units were classified and included in the
[xix]
main census for data collection and the rest was kept outside the purview of the
census.
Use of Digital Maps

Digital Mauza Maps developed by BBS were used as the base map in the preparation
of enumeration area (EA) maps and supervisors’ map in all censuses. Geo-codes were
updated and maps were prepared during zonal operations prior to main census to
demarcate enumeration areas properly and to prepare Census Zones for effective
implementation of the census activities. This process also helped in establishing a
strong control on coverage error of the census.
Vigorous Campaign
A number of steps were taken during census for creating awareness of the people to
provide accurate data. These are: (a) arranging Horse Carts Rally, (b) publishing
regular advertisement in a number of daily newspapers and special newspaper
supplements, (c) airing the events of countdown, celebrity calls, talk show, puthi path
(manuscript of verse recited in a special melody) phone-in-programmes, theme songs,
local songs, tribal songs, jingles, folk songs, TV-scrolling etc. by the Bangladesh
Betar (Radio), Bangladesh Television and some of the private TV Channels (d)
displaying bill boards, posters, stickers, banners etc. (e) organizing interpersonal
communication campaign such as special discussions, press conferences at national
and local levels, exchange of views with various trade and industrial associations,
meeting with government and non-government officials, civil society, media
personnel from national level to grassroots level and (f) distributing leaflet, brochure,
souvenirs like Mug, T-shirt and Crest etc.
New Approach in Training and Quality Control
Training
New approach of training and quality control measures were adopted in Economic
Census 2013. A pool of trainers with Core Training Team (CTT) was developed who
was responsible for preparing training Manuals, Editing and Coding Guidelines and
addressing the quarries raised from the field during census operation. The core
training team provided training to master trainers, the District Census Coordinators
(DCCs), who in turn provided training to the Zonal Officers and subsequently, Zonal
Officers trained the locally recruited enumerators and supervisors.
[xx]
Quality Control
To ensure quality control of data collection, four tiers’ supervisions were applied.
Zonal Officers supervised the field work of enumerators and supervisors, DCC
supervised the activities of the Zonal Officers while the activities of DDC were
monitored by the headquarters core team and other senior officers of SID and BBS. A
high level supervision was also made by the officials of the Ministry of Public
Administration attached to SID for this purpose.
Preliminary Findings
Accelerated Growth of Economic Units During last Decade

The provisional results of the Economic Census 2013 reveal that the total number of
economic units stands at 8075704 during the census period, which was 3708144 in
2001 & 03 and 2169419 in 1986. The growth of economic units was 71percent during
1986 through 2001 & 03 and 118 percent during 2001 & 03 to 2013.
Regional Variations Still Persistent in Economic Activities

The findings show that at the division level, large variation still exists in economic
activities. The highest number of economic units (2599372) was observed in Dhaka
followed by Chittagong (1384757), Rajshahi (1217633), Rangpur (1088255), Khulna
(1034581), Barisal (385233), and Sylhet (365873).
Regions Experienced a Consistent Advancement in Trading and Industrialization

Dhaka has been persistently the house of the highest number of economic units with
strong upward trend during 1986 to 2013. The number increased from 665799 in 1986
to 1194638 in 2001 & 03 and further to 2852353 in 2013. It is interesting to note that
in the face of significant growth its share in total number of economic units remains
almost unchanged- varying between 31% in 1986 to about 32% in both 2001 & 03
and 2013. It is remarkable that all divisions follow almost even and an upward trend
during almost three decades.
Base of Bangladesh Economy is Getting Stronger and Moving towards

Formalization
It is noted that permanent establishments in Bangladesh have been increasing over the
period. The number of permanent establishment was 1561949 in 1986 which has risen
to 2991238 in 2001 & 03 and to 4534616 in 2013. It shows that the growth in number
[xxi]
(1543378) over the last ten years is higher than that (1429289) occurred even of the
seventeen years (1986 to 2001 & 03). It implies that the Bangladesh economy is
getting sustainable and moving towards formalization.
Household Based Economic Activities are in Rapid Expansion

The findings of the Economic Census 2013 reveal that household based economic
activities have expanded tremendously over the last decade. The number of economic
households is 3039398 in 2013 which was 381055 in 2001 & 03 and 545429 in 1986.
The extended definition of economic households may have partly contributed to this
expansion.
Rural Economy has Boosted up with Higher Growth in Northern Bangladesh

Economic Census 2013 depicts that the growth in 2013 over 2001 & 03 in rural areas
is significantly higher(150.6%) compared to urban areas (62.9%).It is encouraging to
mention that once poverty prone Rangpur Division has experienced substantial
growth at micro level economic activities. The total number of economic units in this
division was 208135 in 1986 which has increased to 405583 in 2001 & 03 and further
increased to 1088255 in 2013.
Service Sector Plays Dominating Role in Growth of Economic Units

The results of Economic Census 2013 reveal that the service sector activities like
wholesale and retail trade including repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles
occupies the highest share of 45.91% and Transportation and storage13.65%. On the other
hand manufacturing (11.76%) and other service activities (8.48%). The share of most of
the activities has been less than 5%; some activities even have less than 1% share.
[xxii]
CHAPTER 1:
INTRODUCTION
[1]
[2]
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Economic Census is the complete enumeration of the full set of economic units
belonging to a given population or universe at a particular time with respect to well
defined economic characteristics. It is literally the whole process of collecting,
compiling, processing, analyzing and publishing economic data pertaining to all
economic units in a country. It is a well-structured undertaking which provides timely,
reliable, accurate and detailed data on the size and distribution of economic units of
different categories. The economic census is the primary source of basic benchmark
statistics, covering the whole gamut of non-farm economic activities of the country.
The history of Economic Census is not as old as that of Population Census. In many
countries, Population Census is the oldest census undertaking followed by Agriculture
Census; and, at a later period Economic Census has been undertaken.. The necessity
of Economic Census or Business Census was felt with the increase of non-farm
economic activities of the countries. Data collected from establishments at different
tiers of administration generally help policy makers to pursue programmes for
employment generation, assess private sector requirement and boost up business and
industries.
The Bangladesh economy has been growing fast over the last two decades. New
economic activities like shipbuilding, software development, event management,
security services, mobile banking services and so on are widely taking place. Agro
based economy has been rapidly transforming to a mixed one with considerable
income and employment opportunities. Currently, the service sector dominates the
economy with lion’s share in GDP. Out of total GDP, service sector constitutes 49.30
percent, industry 31.99 percent and agriculture only 18.70 percent. To measure the
changing pattern of Bangladesh economy, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) of
the Statistics and Informatics Division (SID) has been conducting Economic Census
since 1986 and, meanwhile, three rounds have been completed.
The first Economic Census titled ‘Census on Non-farm Economic Activities and
[3]
Disabled Persons’ was conducted during December 27-29, 1986 throughout the
country. It covered both establishment and households with economic activities and
kept agricultural households outside the purview of the economic census.
The second Economic Census of the country was held in two phases: the first phase
during 27-31May 2001 in the urban areas and the second during 20-26 April 2003 in
rural areas. It covered all nonfarm economic activities both in urban and rural areas.
Three types of economic units such as permanent and temporary establishments and
premise based household economic activities were covered.
The third Economic Census was conducted during 31 March to 31 May 2013 across
the country. Data collection was carried out in two phases: first phase during 15-24
April 2013 in 37 districts and second phase during 15-24 May 2013 in 27 districts.
One of the fundamental features of the census was listing operation i.e. all units
irrespective of establishment or household, either permanent or temporary, were
enlisted prior to the main census. Only economic units, except crop agriculture, were
separated from the lists and enumerated in the main census. It may be mentioned that
this step has contributed to reducing the census cost considerably and helped ensure
optimum use of public resources. The census has covered both economic households
and all temporary and permanent establishments.
1.2 Objectives
The main objective of the Census was to investigate the nature of structural change
occurring in the economy over the last decade, and to provide comprehensive
statistical information for economic and social development planning and policy
making.
The other objectives are:

• To generate statistics on types of activities, persons engaged (working proprietors
and partners, full-time and part-time employees, family workers, classified by
sex), year of establishment of the nonagricultural economic unit by type of
ownership and so on.
[4]
• To make available sampling frame for planning and designing surveys of non-
agricultural economic activities in between two economic censuses.
• To facilitate determination of the relative contribution of non-agricultural sector
to the economy.
• To provide benchmark data for rebasing and updating the national accounts
aggregates and other economic activities of the country.
• To prepare an up to date directory of industries and business enterprises for urban

and rural areas according to the Bangladesh Standard Industrial Classification
(BSIC-2009) which was prepared following the International Standard Industrial
Classification (ISIC)-Rev.4;
• To observe economic activities performed by the households in the informal

sector.
• To provide disaggregated statistics on various economic activities down to
Mauza level.
1.3 Scope and Coverage

Economic Census 2013 has covered all nonfarm economic units- permanent &
temporary establishments and household based economic activities. However,
agricultural establishments such as farm based livestock, poultry and fishery were
also included in this census, which were not covered in the earlier economic
censuses. In addition to economic activities carried out in the household, activities
operated outside the household such as hawking, operating own rickshaw/push
cart/van/easy bike/other transports, street vending etc. were included within the
purview of the household based economic activities while these activities were
included as temporary establishments in 2001 & 03. Geographically, the Census
has covered the entire area of the country except territorial enclaves. It may be
noted that the scope, coverage, concepts & definitions and questionnaire of the
census have been vetted by the Technical Committee.
Thus, the scope and coverage of the Economic Census 2013 are different from that
of 1986 and 2001 & 03. Therefore, the findings of the Economic Census 2013
would not be fully comparable with that of earlier censuses particularly for the
temporary economic units and household based economic units.
[5]
[6]
CHAPTER 2:
CENSUS
PLANNING
AND
OPERATION
[7]
[8]
CHAPTER 2
CENSUS PLANNING AND

OPERATION
2.1 Census Process

A systematic and comprehensive implementation plan was prepared and furnished in
the Development Project Proforma (DPP) to ensure a smooth census operation. The
plan contains a brief of all census work programmes including the pilot census. All
operational procedures relating to the design of questionnaire, methodologies,
enumeration plan, training programme and procedures, field control, manpower
requirements, delineation of duties and responsibilities of supervisory census
personnel, census publicity, and distribution of census materials, data processing and
publication plans are also illustrated in the work plan. A calendar of census activities
with detailed time frame was also prepared. Census operation was completed
following the census calendar.
2.1.1 Listing of Establishments and Households

A complete list of all establishments and households of the country was prepared
before the main enumeration. Both economic and non-economic establishments
and households irrespective of their nature, that is, temporary or permanent were
enlisted. Only basic information such as name, address, nature of household and
establishment, total persons engaged (TPE) by sex etc. of the units were collected
in order to identify whether the unit is engaged in any non-agricultural economic
activity. From this list, only economic units were separated and included in the
main census for data collection and the rest were kept outside the purview of the
census. The whole process was termed as First Zonal Operation.
2.1.2 Zonal Operation

Two zonal operations were conducted. These operations were done as the preparatory
work of the main census. Under the First Zonal Operation, listing of all units,
mapping and geo-code updating were accomplished. Recruitment of interviewers and
[9]
supervisors, further checking of geo-code, formation of various census committees

were carried out under the Second Zonal Operation.
2.1.3 Pilot Census

Pilot census is the dress-rehearsal of the main census. It is the method of testing the
efficiency of census preparation. It helps in understanding whether there has been any
deficiency in any stage of census preparation. To examine the preparatory work of
main census, a Pilot Census had been carried out during 8-14 February 2013 in two
areas at Ward No. 15 of Sylhet City Corporation and Vayna Union of Sujanagar
Upazila under Pabna District. The Pilot Census covered the issues of the
appropriateness of the questionnaire including respondents’ burden, field operation
with supervision, data processing, tabulation and data analysis. After the pilot census,
necessary changes were made in order to ensure smooth and effective operation of the
census.
2.1.4 Mapping & Geo-Coding

A hierarchical geographical coding system in respect of administrative units was
developed by BBS in order to identify the units uniquely from the highest to the
lowest tier. BBS has also developed the digital maps of all Mauzas, the smallest
administrative unit of the country. These maps are used as the base map in preparation
of enumeration area (EA) maps and supervisors’ map in all censuses. Geo-codes were
updated and maps were prepared during zonal operations prior to main census to
demarcate enumeration areas properly. This process also helped in establishing a
strong control on coverage error of the census.
2.1.5 Manuals and Control Forms

Manual is the tool to conceptualize the questionnaire and operationalize the field
work. Two manuals– the Field Manual and the Training Manual for the
Interviewers- were prepared before the main enumeration. Legal aspect of the
census, composition and duties and responsibilities of various census
committees, interviewers, supervisors, census coordinators, method of training,
mode of publicity, distribution and recollection process of census materials etc.
were explained in the Field Manual. Definitions and concepts of various terms,
the method of data collection, meaning of each question in the census schedule,
process of filling up the tally sheets were narrated in the Training Manual for the
[10]
Interviewers. In addition to that, some control forms were prepared and supplied
to the field to check the census activities and to have a summary of census data.
2.1.6 Campaign
Campaign is considered as a significant part of any census. Usually, people or
respondents remain reluctant to provide any data to the interviewers as they are not
aware of the usefulness of the statistical information. Media campaign can contribute
immensely to motivate the respondents to respond to the census questionnaire. It
facilitates easier access of the interviewers to the respondents. Overall campaign,
including use of print and electronic media, added a new dimension to Economic
Census 2013. The following steps were taken in connection with the campaign of
Economic Census 2013:
1. Horse Carts Rally was arranged during the main census. It is notable that this
idea was very effective in creating awareness of people and was highly
appreciated by general mass.
2. Regular advertisement for participation in census was published in a number
of daily newspapers.
3. Special supplement on census was published in a number of newspapers.
4. The events of countdown, celebrity calls, puthi path (manuscript of verse
recited in a special melody) phone-in-programmes, theme songs, local songs,
jingles, folk songs were frequently aired by the Bangladesh Betar (Radio).
5. Bangladesh Television and some of the private TV Channels were engaged to
telecast talk show, jingle, theme songs, tribal songs, TV-scrolling and phone-
in-programmes etc.
6. Bill boards were sighted in different parts of the city corporations.
7. Interpersonal communication campaign such as special discussions, press
conferences at national and local levels, exchange of views with various trade
and industrial associations, meeting with government and non-government
officials, civil society, media personnel from national level to grassroots level
were carried out.
8. Posters, stickers, banners etc. were displayed.
9. Leaflet, brochure, souvenirs like Mug, T-shirt and Crest were distributed.
[11]
2.1.7 Training and Data Collection

Training and data collection are the fundamental components of a census.
Comprehensive training was imparted to the census personnel to make them efficient
in their respective tasks. The whole country, 64 districts including city corporations,
were divided into 86 areas and named as Census Districts during first zonal operation.
The Census Districts were segmented into smaller areas to ensure intensive
supervision and monitoring, so that quality data collection could be ensured. The 86
Census Districts were divided into 2,073 zones on the basis of the listing operation to
make sure that the census would be managed properly and enumeration would be
done accurately. The zones were divided into 67,847 Enumeration Areas (EA), - each
consisting of around 150 economic units, irrespective of household or establishment.
An interviewer was appointed for each EA and a supervisor was designated for
supervision of the work of a group of 6 to 7 interviewers. To carry out the final data
collection, a total of 67,036 interviewers, 12,175 supervisors, 2,073 zonal officers and
86 District Census Coordinators (DCCs) were appointed. Interviewers and supervisors
were hired from the local educated unemployed youths; zonal officers; and DCCs
were assigned from BBS officials.
To ensure quality control of data collection, four tiers’ supervisions were applied.
Supervisors were assigned for overseeing the activities of Interviewers, Zonal officer
for Supervisors and DCCs for Zonal Officers. Several independent teams comprising
of the senior officials of BBS and SID were assigned the responsibility for
supervision and monitoring the overall quality of the census. In addition to that, extra
measures were taken to ensure the quality of census by engaging temporarily some of
the high officials- Deputy Secretaries and Joint Secretaries- from the Ministry of
Public Administration.
In order to have quality data and to provide complete guidelines on census operations
to the census personnel, a two days training programme were conducted. DCCs
(Master Trainers) were trained on census questionnaire and other census techniques
by the core team of economic census in Dhaka. Zonal Officers were imparted training
at district headquarters by DCCs and Supervisors & Interviewers by Zonal Officers at
Upazila/Union level. A verbatim training manual with detailed instructions for filling
in questionnaires and other field operations was provided to all trainees to ensure
uniform training. Hands-on-exercise on the technique of data collection was
demonstrated at the field at all levels of training.
[12]
After the training, enumeration was done in two phases- first phase during 15-24
April 2013 in 37 districts and second phase during 15-24 May 2013 in 27 districts. To
ensure a smooth operation, a central census control room was set up at headquarters
of BBS that kept functioning round the clock. Besides, control rooms were also
established at different levels at regional, district, upazila offices and union parishad
to meet any emergency instantly. After the completion of enumeration, census books
were preserved at Upazila Statistical Offices with a view to making editing and
coding at local level. Only Tally Sheets- summary sheet of a census book of few
important questions- were brought to headquarters for preparing the preliminary
report.
2.2 Limitations of the Preliminary Report

This preliminary report has been prepared only on the basis of tally sheets, and not on
the basis of individual questionnaire. A tally sheet contains the number of economic
units by type and category, according to BSIC 2009 at 2 digit level, for each census
book. Two tally sheets were attached at the top of each census book of which one is
processed in the headquarters for the preparation of the preliminary report. As the
figures in tally sheets were summarized manually by the respective interviewers,
therefore, figures to be published in the main census report processing all the
questionnaires may vary with the findings of this preliminary report. Besides, the final
results will also be adjusted based on the findings of the Post Enumeration Check
(PEC) operation.
[13]
[14]
CHAPTER 3:
PRELIMINARY
FINDINGS
[15]
[16]
CHAPTER 3
PRELIMINARY FINDINGS
3.1 Total Economic Units

The provisional results of the Economic Census 2013 show that the total number of
economic units stood at 8075704 at the time of the census. These units include all
permanent establishments, temporary establishments and households engaged in non-
farm economic activities.
3.2 Distribution of Economic Units by Type in the Last Three

Censuses (1986-2013)
Table 3.1 shows that total economic units followed an increasing trend during the
three censuses 1986, 2001 & 03 and 2013. The total number of economic units in
1986 was 2169419 which rose to 3708144 in 2001 & 03 and then to 8075704 in 2013.
Table 3.1: Distribution of Economic Units by Type in the Last Three Economic
Censuses
Total
Census Unit/ Permanent Temporary Economic
Economic
Years Percentage Establishment Establishment Household*
Units
Unit 4534616 501690 3039398 8075704
2013
Percentage 56.2 6.2 37.6 100.0
Unit 2991238 335851 381055 3708144

2001 & 03
Percentage 80.7 9.1 10.3 100.0
Unit 1561949 62041 545429 2169419

1986
Percentage 72.0 2.9 25.1 100.0
* Economic Census (EC) 2013 includes premise based economic activities as well as floating economic activities
taking place outside the households without having any structure but operated by households, while EC 2001 &
03 covered only premises based economic activities by households.
[17]
While the number of total economic units show

shows a steady and significant expansion in
the overall sector during 1986 to 2013, the increase in the number of economic units
by types show somewhat varying patterns. Permanent establishment is the dominant
category accounting for bulk of the economic units. It registered steady increase in the
number of economic units but its share in total economic units declined from 72
percent in 1986 to 56.2 percent in 2013. The number of economic units under
temporary establishment category also experienced steady increase
increase during 1986-2013
1986
but the share of this type of economic units increased from 2.9 percent in 1986 to 6.2
percent in 2013. In the case of economic households, the number of economic units
declined between 1986 and 2001 & 03 only to register a sharp incre
increase
ase in 2013
raising its share in total economic units from 25.1 percent in 1986 to 37.6 percent in
2013. This might have happened because of the fact that floating economic activities
that take place outside the household without any structure but are oper
operated by
households, have been included under economic household category in 2013, while
they were recoded as temporary establishments in 2001 & 03 census. Since temporary
establishments and household economic units often involve informal activities, the
increase
crease in the share of these types of economic units in total economic units suggests
that the informal sector has expanded quite rapidly during the period 1986 to 2013.
Figure 1: Distribution of Economic Units in 2013 by Type
Parmanent Establishment Temporary Establishment Economic Household

5000000
4534616
4500000
4000000
3500000
2991238 3039398
3000000
2500000
2000000
1561949
1500000
1000000
545429 501690
381055
500000 335851
62041
0
1986 2001 & 03 2013
Figure 2: Percentage Distribution of Economic Units by Type in the Last Three

Censuses
1986 2001 & 03 2013

25.1 10.3 37.6
% 9.1% % %
2.9%
6.2%
72.0 80.7 56.2

% % %
Parmanent Establishment Parmanent Establishment Parmanent Establishment
Temporary Establishment Temporary Establishment Temporary Establishment
Economic Household Economic Household Economic Household
3.3 Distribution of Economic Units by Division

As can be seen from Table 3.2, Dhaka tops the list of all divisions with 2599372
economic units followed by Chittagong (1384757), Rajshahi (1217633), Rangpur
(1088255) and Khulna (1034581). Sylhet has the lowest number of economic units
(365873) while Barisal (385233) has the second lowest position. In the case of
permanent and temporary establishments also, Dhaka ranks to
top
p followed by
Chittagong while Barisal and Sylhet occupy the lowest two positions. The picture is
more or less same in the case of economic households except that Rajshahi replaces
Chittagong in the second position. Interestingly, the share of different di
divisions in
total economic units experienced little changes during the period and the ranking of
the top two and bottom two divisions in terms of total economic units remained
unchanged over the three censuses.
Table 3.2: Distribution of Economic Units

Unit in 2013 by Type and Division
Permanent Temporary Economic Total Economic
Year Division Establishments Establishments Households* Unit
Row Row Row Column
Unit Unit Unit Unit
% % % %
Barisal 264402 68.6 14930 3.9 105901 27.5 385233 4.8
Chittagong 878494 63.4 91732 6.6 414531 29.9 1384757 17.1
Dhaka 1599711 61.5 189706 7.3 809955 31.2 2599372 32.2
Khulna 522254 50.5 56717 5.5 455610 44.0 1034581 12.8
2013
Rajshahi 547839 45.0 55539 4.6 614255 50.4 1217633 15.1

Rangpur 477935 43.9 58191 5.3 552129 50.7 1088255 13.5
Sylhet 243981 66.7 34875 9.5 87017 23.8 365873 4.5
Bangladesh 4534616 56.2 501690 6.2 3039398 37.6 8075704 100.0
Barisal 188242 91.7 10620 5.2 6401 3.1 205263 5.5
Chittagong 600250 89.5 43963 6.6 26331 3.9 670544 18.1
Dhaka 968616 81.1 131532 11.0 94490 7.9 1194638 32.2
2001 & 03
Khulna 397076 72.7 46852 8.6 101990 18.7 545918 14.7

Rajshahi 364228 72.9 39295 7.9 96350 19.3 499873 13.5
Rangpur 320372 79.0 41866 10.3 43345 10.7 405583 10.9
Sylhet 152454 81.8 21723 11.7 12148 6.5 186325 5.0
Bangladesh 2991238 80.7 335851 9.1 381055 10.3 3708144 100.0
Barisal 120920 83.8 880 0.6 22499 15.6 144299 6.7
Chittagong 378999 83.3 8577 1.9 67565 14.8 455141 21.0
Dhaka 460264 69.1 32371 4.9 173164 26.0 665799 30.7
Khulna 189396 63.2 5824 1.9 104683 34.9 299903 13.8
1986
Rajshahi 172611 60.0 5953 2.1 109135 37.9 287699 13.3

Rangpur 151938 73.0 4833 2.3 51364 24.7 208135 9.6
Sylhet 87821 81.0 3603 3.3 17019 15.7 108443 5.0
Bangladesh 1561949 72.0 62041 2.9 545429 25.1 2169419 100.0
* Economic Census (EC) 2013 includes premise based economic activities as well as floating
floating economic activities
taking place outside the households without having any structure but operated by households, while EC 2001 &
03 covered only premise based economic activities.
Figure 3: Total Number of Economic

conomic Units in 2013 by Division and Type
3000000
Permanent Establishment
2500000 Temporary Establishment
Economic Household
2000000
1500000
1000000
500000
Barisal Chittagong Dhaka Khulna Rajshahi Rangpur Sylhet

3.4 Inter-censal Growth of Economic Units by Division, 1986-2013

As mentioned earlier, total economic units increased steadily during the period 1986-
2013. However, growth in the number of economic units seems to have been more
pronounced during the last inter-census period. Thus, between 1986 and 2001 & 03,
there has been 71 percent increase in the number of economic units while between
2001 & 03 and 2013, total economic units increased by about 118 percent (Table 3.3).
The annual compound growth rate has been estimated to be 3.2 percent and 8.1
percent in the two sub periods respectively.
Table 3.3: Distribution & Inter-censal Growth of Economic Units over the last three
Economic Censuses by Division
% %
2013 2001 & 03 1986 Change Change
Division in 2001 & in 2013
Economic Column Economic Column Economic Column
03 over over 2001
Unit % Unit % Unit %
1986 & 03
Barisal 385233 4.8 205263 5.5 144299 6.7 42.2 87.7
Chittagong 1384757 17.1 670544 18.1 455141 21.0 47.3 106.5
Dhaka 2599372 32.2 1194638 32.2 665799 30.7 79.4 117.6
Khulna 1034581 12.8 545918 14.7 299903 13.8 82.0 89.5
Rajshahi 1217633 15.1 499873 13.5 287699 13.3 73.7 143.6
Rangpur 1088255 13.5 405583 10.9 208135 9.6 94.9 168.3
Sylhet 365873 4.5 186325 5.0 108443 5.0 71.8 96.4
Bangladesh 8075704 100.0 3708144 100.0 2169419 100.0 70.9 117.8
At the division level, the highest growth in total economic units during 2001 & 03 to
2013 has been observed in the case of Rangpur followed by Rajshahi and Dhaka. The
rapid growth of non-farm activities in Rangpur division is particularly significant
given the fact that during the early years of the last decade, Rangpur suffered from
acute seasonal unemployment in the form of Monga. This happened during the
agricultural lean month of Kartik due to lack of alternative non-farm employment
opportunities. However, targeted public investment and special credit programme
facilitated growth of non-farm activities in these areas, which has eased the problem
of Monga quite significantly in recent years.
[21]
Table 3.4: Distribution & Inter-censal Growth of Economic Units over the last three
Economic Censuses by Division and by Type
% Change in
2013 2001 & 03 1986 2013 over
Division 1986
PE* TE* EH* PE TE EH PE TE EH PE TE EH
Barisal 264402 14930 105901 188242 10620 6401 120920 880 22499 118.7 1596.6 370.7
Chittagong 878494 91732 414531 600250 43963 26331 378999 8577 67565 131.8 969.5 513.5
Dhaka 1599711 189706 809955 968616 131532 94490 460264 32371 173164 247.6 486.0 367.7
Khulna 522254 56717 455610 397076 46852 101990 189396 5824 104683 175.7 873.8 335.2
Rajshahi 547839 55539 614255 364228 39295 96350 172611 5953 109135 217.4 833.0 462.8
Rangpur 477935 58191 552129 320372 41866 43345 151938 4833 51364 214.6 1104.0 974.9
Sylhet 243981 34875 87017 152454 21723 12148 87821 3603 17019 177.8 867.9 411.3
Bangladesh 4534616 501690 3039398 2991238 335851 381055 1561949 62041 545429 190.3 708.6 457.2
* PE=Permanent Establishment, TE=Temporary Establishment and EH= Economic Household.
Table 3.4 depicts the changes in the number of economic units by type over the period
1986-2013. It shows that inter-censal growth of all categories of economic units in
2013 over 1986 was quite high. The growth was 190.3 percent for permanent
establishments, 708.6 percent for temporary establishments and 457.2 percent for
economic households in 2013 over 1986. The annual compound rates of growth of
these three types of establishments during the period from 1986 to 2013 have been
estimated to be 4.03 percent, 8.05 percent and 6.57 percent respectively.
At the division level, Dhaka registered the highest increase of 247.6 percent in
permanent establishments while Barisal recorded the lowest increase of 118.7 percent
in permanent establishments. In the case of temporary establishments, Barisal
experienced the highest growth of 1596.6 percent while Dhaka has the lowest growth
of 486.0 percent. In the case of economic households, Rangpur has the highest growth
of 974.9 percent while Khulna has the lowest growth of 335.2 percent.
[22]
3.5 Distribution of Economic Units by Division and Locality

Table 3.5 shows that about 12 percent of total economic units are located in city
corporation areas, 14 percent in paurashava, 1.4 percent in upazila headquarters and
the rest 72 percent in rural areas.
Table 3.5: Percentage Distribution of Economic Units by Division and Locality

City
Rural Paurashava Upazila HQ
Corporation
Division Total
Economic Economic Row Economic Row Economi Row
Row %
Unit Unit % Unit % c Unit %
Barisal 288067 74.8 26256 6.8 59506 15.4 11404 3.0 385233
Chittagong 955529 69.0 182737 13.2 212623 15.4 33868 2.4 1384757
Dhaka 1654272 63.6 572687 22.0 347797 13.4 24616 0.9 2599372
Khulna 803218 77.6 58556 5.7 160030 15.5 12777 1.2 1034581
Rajshahi 952004 78.2 26858 2.2 230364 18.9 8407 0.7 1217633
Rangpur 891796 81.9 43259 4.0 136824 12.6 16376 1.5 1088255
Sylhet 272838 74.6 33773 9.2 50329 13.8 8933 2.4 365873
Bangladesh 5817724 72.0 944126 11.7 1197473 14.8 116381 1.4 8075704
At the division level, Dhaka has the highest proportion (22 percent) of economic units
located in city corporations and the lowest proportion (64 percent) of economic units
located in the rural areas. The proportion of economic units located in paurashava is
the highest in Rajshahi (18.9 percent) and lowest (12.6 percent) in Rangpur. Rajshahi
and Dhaka have the lowest proportions (0.7 percent and 0.9 percent respectively) of
economic units located in upazila headquarters. Rangpur (81.9 percent) followed by
Rajshahi (78.2 percent) has the highest proportion of economic units located in the
rural areas.
As noted earlier, total economic units increased by 118 percent in 2013 over 2001 & 03.
Table 3.6 shows that growth has been more pronounced in rural areas (150.6 percent)
compared to urban areas (62.9 percent). Rangpur division experienced the highest growth in
[23]
Figure 4: Distribution of Economic Units by total economic units in both rural and
Locality in 2013 urban areas (194.9 percent in rural and
90.5 percent in urban areas). Rajshahi
recorded the second highest growth in
urban areas (87.8 percent) and third
highest growth in rural areas (165.6
percent). Barisal and Sylhet recorded
the lowest growth of economic units in
rural (95.9 percent) and urban areas (46.5 percent) respectively.
Table 3.6: Distribution & Inter-censal Growth of Total Economic Units by Division and
Locality
Rural Urban Total
Division
% % %
2013 2001 & 03 2013 2001 & 03 2013 2001 & 03
Change Change Change
Barisal 288067 147085 95.9 97166 58178 67.0 385233 205263 87.7
Chittagon
955529 428368 123.1 429228 242176 77.2 1384757 670544 106.5
g
Dhaka 1654272 583683 183.4 945100 610955 54.7 2599372 1194638 117.6
Khulna 803218 378914 112.0 231363 167004 38.5 1034581 545918 89.5
Rajshahi 952004 358405 165.6 265629 141468 87.8 1217633 499873 143.6
Rangpur 891796 302450 194.9 196459 103133 90.5 1088255 405583 168.3
Sylhet 272838 122821 122.1 93035 63504 46.5 365873 186325 96.4
Total 5817724 2321726 150.6 2257980 1386418 62.9 8075704 3708144 117.8
Note: Urban includes City Corporation, Paurashava and Upazila Headquarters. Upazila
Headquarters excludes the Upazilas having Paurashavas at its headquarters.
Table 3.7 provides information on the growth of permanent economic establishments

in 2013 over 2001 & 03 by division and locality. One interesting finding of the census
is that permanent establishments increased more rapidly in rural areas than in urban
areas (58.4 percent increase in rural areas compared to 40.3 percent in urban areas). In
rural areas, the highest increase (89.8 percent) was recorded in Dhaka followed by
Sylhet (69.0 percent) and the lowest growth was observed in Khulna (39.2 percent). In
urban areas, Chittagong registered the highest increase (54.8 percent) followed by
Rajshahi (49.6 percent) while Khulna recorded the lowest increase (15.0 percent).
[24]
Table 3.7: Inter-censal Growth of Permanent Economic Establishments during 2001 &
03 and 2013 by Division and Locality
Rural Urban Total

Division
2001 & % 2001 & % %
2013 2013 2013 2001 & 03
03 Change 03 Change Change
Barisal 196183 136896 43.3 68219 51346 32.9 264402 188242 40.5
Chittagong 559354 394087 41.9 319140 206163 54.8 878494 600250 46.4
Dhaka 899327 473770 89.8 700384 494846 41.5 1599711 968616 65.2
Khulna 376758 270603 39.2 145496 126473 15.0 522254 397076 31.5
Rajshahi 388017 257388 50.8 159822 106840 49.6 547839 364228 50.4
Rangpur 371040 236354 57.0 106895 84018 27.2 477935 320372 49.2
Sylhet 175289 103706 69.0 68692 48748 40.9 243981 152454 60.0
Total 2965968 1872804 58.4 1568648 1118434 40.3 4534616 2991238 51.6
Table 3.8 shows the inter-censal growth of temporary economic establishments in

2013 over 2001 & 03 by division and locality. Between 2001 & 03 and 2013, the
number of temporary economic establishments increased by 49.4 percent. The
expansion of temporary economic establishment occurred only in the rural areas
(134.7 percent) while urban areas experienced decline (-4.6 percent) in the number of
temporary economic establishment. This may have happened because of the change in
the coverage of urban areas during the inter-census period and also because of the fact
that many units recorded as economic household in 2013 were recorded as temporary
economic establishments in 2001 & 03.
In rural areas, Dhaka experienced the highest increase (209.8 percent) in the number
of temporary economic establishments followed by Sylhet (195.1 percent) and
Chittagong (163.7 percent). The lowest increase is recorded in Rangpur (77.5
percent). In the case of urban areas, Chittagong is the only division showing
significant increase (67 percent) in the number of temporary economic
establishments.
[25]
Table 3.8: Inter-censal Growth of Temporary Economic Establishments during 2001 &
03 and 2013 by Division and Locality
Rural Urban Total

Division
2001 & % 2001 & % %
2013 2013 2013 2001 & 03
Barisal 8804 4527 94.5 6126 6093 0.5 14930 10620 40.6
Chittagong 50158 19023 163.7 41574 24940 66.7 91732 43963 108.7
Dhaka 100971 32588 209.8 88735 98944 -10.3 189706 131532 44.2
Khulna 38304 20010 91.4 18413 26842 -31.4 56717 46852 21.1
Rajshahi 36832 19981 84.3 18707 19314 -3.1 55539 39295 41.3
Rangpur 45324 25534 77.5 12867 16332 -21.2 58191 41866 39.0
Sylhet 25129 8514 195.1 9746 13209 -26.2 34875 21723 60.5
Total 305522 130177 134.7 196168 205674 -4.6 501690 335851 49.4
Table 3.9 shows the inter-censal growth of economic households in 2013 over 2001 &
03 by division and locality. As can be seen from the Table, the number of economic
households has increased by a large extent (697.6 percent), part of which is due to the
extended definition of economic households that has been used in the 2013 census.
Table 3.9: Inter-censal Growth of Economic Households during 2001 & 03 and 2013 by
Division and Locality
Rural Urban Total
Division
2001 & % 2001 & % %
2013 2013 2013 2001 & 03
83080 22821 739 105901 6401 1554.

Barisal 5662 1367.3 2988.1
4
Chittagon 1474.
346017 15258 2167.8 68514 11073 518.7 414531 26331
g 3
Dhaka 653974 77325 745.7 155981 17165 808.7 809955 94490 757.2
Khulna 388156 88301 339.6 67454 13689 392.8 455610 101990 346.7
Rajshahi 527155 81036 550.5 87100 15314 468.8 614255 96350 537.5
1173.
Rangpur 475432 40562 1072.1 76697 2783 2655.9 552129 43345
8
Sylhet 72420 10601 583.1 14597 1547 843.6 87017 12148 616.3
Total 2546234 318745 698.8 493164 62310 691.5 3039398 381055 697.6
[26]
3.6 Distribution of Economic Units by Broad Industrial Classification

Table 3.10 presents distribution of economic units in 2013 by division and economic
sector following 2-digit Bangladesh Standard Industrial Classification (BSIC) 2009.
As can be seen from the Table, the dominant activities are Wholesale and retail trade
including repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (45.91 percent) followed by
Transportation and storage (13.65 percent), Manufacturing (11.76 percent) and Other
service activities (8.48 percent).
[27]
Table 3.10: Distribution of Economic Units by Broad Industrial Classification & Division
Broad Industrial Barisal Chittagong Dhaka Khulna Rajshahi Rangpur Sylhet National
Economi Row Economic Row Economic Economic Economic Row Economic Economi Row Economic Column
Classifications Row % Row % Row %
c Unit % Unit % Unit Unit Unit % Unit c Unit % Unit %
01. Agriculture, forestry and
13558 5.8 31117 13.3 88549 37.84 35394 15.1 38051 16.3 20136 8.6 7187 3.1 233992 2.90
fishing
02. Mining and quarrying 486 2.7 1130 6.4 2214 12.50 659 3.7 885 5.0 2809 15.9 9532 53.8 17715 0.22
03. Manufacturing 45735 4.8 214514 22.6 261705 27.56 134711 14.2 164768 17.4 85723 9.0 42434 4.5 949590 11.76
04. Electricity, gas, steam and
689 5.7 2458 20.4 4242 35.22 1464 12.2 1211 10.1 1036 8.6 944 7.8 12044 0.15
air conditioning supply
05. Water supply, sewerage,
waste management and 475 0.8 5913 9.8 19820 32.84 4563 7.6 15583 25.8 13258 22.0 749 1.2 60361 0.75
remediation activities
06. Construction 5137 2.7 16237 8.4 53600 27.73 28741 14.9 31142 16.1 31752 16.4 26657 13.8 193266 2.39
07. Wholesale and retail
17525 137275 15587 370744
trade, repair of motor 4.7 648564 17.5 37.03 445901 12.0 456509 12.3 452595 12.2 4.2 45.91
7 3 0 9
vehicles and motorcycles
08. Transportation and 110237
16396 1.5 106212 9.6 286340 25.97 162011 14.7 257338 23.3 238276 21.6 35798 3.2 13.65
storage 1
09. Accommodation and food
service activities (Hotel 32339 8.4 93206 24.2 124535 32.30 48112 12.5 34568 9.0 34553 9.0 18199 4.7 385512 4.77
and restaurants)
10. Information and
2495 5.6 8633 19.5 16501 37.18 4907 11.1 4461 10.1 4595 10.4 2787 6.3 44379 0.55
communication
11. Financial and insurance
3010 7.9 7981 21.0 13590 35.84 4203 11.1 3774 10.0 3693 9.7 1665 4.4 37916 0.47
activities
12. Real estate activities 598 4.8 2029 16.4 5966 48.21 1472 11.9 891 7.2 934 7.5 484 3.9 12374 0.15
13. Professional, scientific
2357 4.5 14191 27.2 16066 30.75 6730 12.9 5616 10.7 4554 8.7 2733 5.2 52247 0.65
and technical activities
14. Administrative and
2060 6.5 6344 20.0 11745 37.02 2908 9.2 3419 10.8 2584 8.1 2670 8.4 31730 0.39
support service activities
15. Public administration and
304 3.9 1410 18.0 2884 36.72 1092 13.9 832 10.6 698 8.9 634 8.1 7854 0.10
defense, compulsory
[28]
Broad Industrial Barisal Chittagong Dhaka Khulna Rajshahi Rangpur Sylhet National
Economi Row Economic Row Economic Economic Economic Row Economic Economi Row Economic Column
Classifications Row % Row % Row %
c Unit % Unit % Unit Unit Unit % Unit c Unit % Unit %
social security
16. Education 30033 9.5 61533 19.4 93142 29.37 33564 10.6 37604 11.9 37974 12.0 23320 7.4 317170 3.93
17. Human health and social
7705 4.7 27028 16.5 50533 30.82 20786 12.7 19297 11.8 31160 19.0 7449 4.5 163958 2.03
work activities
18. Arts, entertainment and
1770 5.7 5672 18.1 11087 35.40 4102 13.1 3882 12.4 3098 9.9 1708 5.5 31319 0.39
recreation
19. Other service activities 37720 5.5 125761 18.4 154725 22.60 91362 13.3 134245 19.6 116599 17.0 24083 3.5 684495 8.48
20. Activities of households
as employers,
undifferentiated goods
and services producing 25.
7040 4387 15.9 8324 30.21 1699 6.2 3337 12.1 1912 6.9 857 3.1 27556 0.34
activities of households 5
for own use services-
producing activities of
households for own use
21. Activities of
extraterritorial 69 2.9 437 18.2 1051 43.68 200 8.3 220 9.1 316 13.1 113 4.7 2406 0.03
organizations and bodies
Grand Total 385233 4.8 1384757 13.3 2599372 32.2 1034581 12.8 1217633 15.1 1088255 13.5 365873 4.5 8075704 100.0
[29]
Figure 5: Distribution of Wholesale and Retail Trade, Repair

epair of
Motor
otor Vehicles and Motorcycles Units by Division
ivision in
2013
12% Barisal
37%
Chittagong
12% Dhaka
Khulna
Rajshahi
12% Rangpur
18% Sylhet
5% 4%
Figure 5 shows that Dhaka division accounts for the largest proportion (37 percent) of
the economic units involved in Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles
and motorcycles. Chittagong ranks second with 18 percent share while Sylhet
accounts for the lowest (4 percent) proportion of the economic units in this category.
Figure 6: Distribution of Transportation and Storage Units

nits by
Division
ivision in 2013
3% 1% Barisal
22% 10%
Chittagong
Dhaka
Khulna
Rajshahi
23% 26% Rangpur

Sylhet
15%
Figure 6 shows that the largest portion of economic establishments engaged in

Transportation
ransportation and storage services are located in Dhaka (26 percent) and the smallest
proportion (1 percent) are located in Barisal.
Figure 7: Distribution of Manufacturing Units by Division in 2013
9% 4% 5%
Barisal
Chittagong
17% 23%
Dhaka
Khulna
Rajshahi
Rangpur
14%
Sylhet
28%
It is evident from Figure 7 that the highest proportion of manufacturing units (28%) are
located in Dhaka and the lowest (4 percent) in Sylhet. It is also noteworthy that
Chittagong accounts for a significant proportion of manufacturing industries (23
percent).
3.7 Summary and Policy Implications

Thee summary of the preliminary findings and their policy implications are as follows
follows:
3.7.1 Non-farm
farm activities constitute the dominant component of the economy
Economic census 2001 & 03 recorded 37.1 million economic units with an
employment of nearly 12.4 million. The preliminary report of economic census 2013
has estimated the number of economic units to be 80.8 million. The preliminary report
did not use the employment data recorded in the census. However, if we use the
average employment size recorded in the economic census 2001 & 03, then the total
employment recorded under economic census 2013 is likely to be nearly 28 million.
This implies that more than half of the labor force in Bangladesh is engaged in
economic activities outside the farm sector. This
This underscores the growing importance
of the sector in supporting faster growth of the overall economy.
3.7.2 There has been rapid growth in total economic units during the past decade
During the inter-census
census period of 2001 & 03 and 2013, total economic units
units increased
at an annual compound rate of nearly 8.1 percent, which is faster than the growth rate
of 3.1 percent recorded for the previous inter-census period 1986 to 2001 & 03. This
evidence appears consistent with the faster growth of the overall economy observed
during the decade of 2000s compared to the decade of 1990s. It also implies that rapid
growth in non-farm activities played a key role in accelerating the pace of overall
growth of the economy.
3.7.3 Informal sector has been an important component of this growth dynamics
Like the previous economic censuses, economic census 2013 reported permanent
establishment as the dominant category accounting for 56.2 percent of all economic
units. However, the share of permanent establishment seems to have declined while
that of temporary establishments and economic households has increased during the
inter-census period. Since temporary establishments and household economic units
often involve informal activities, the increase in the share of these types of economic
units in total economic units suggests that the informal sector has expanded quite
rapidly during this period. This, points towards the need for formulating supportive
policy measures for this component of the non-farm sector.
3.7.4 Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions have recorded highest increase in total
economic units
This is a significant finding given the fact that during the early years of the last
decade, these two divisions suffered from acute seasonal unemployment in the form
of Monga. This happened during the agricultural lean month of Kartik due to lack of
alternative non-farm employment opportunities. However, targeted public investment
and special credit programme facilitated growth of non-farm activities in these areas,
which has eased the problem of Monga quite significantly in recent years. Thus,
targeted policy for expansion of non-farm activities appears as an effective tool for
fighting seasonal unemployment.
[32]
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Asian Productivity Organization. (2013). APO Productivity Databook 2013. Tokyo: Asian
Productivity Organization.
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http://www.banglapedia.org/HT/P_0357.htm
Bangladesh Bank. (2010). Bangladesh Bank Bulletin: July-September, 2010. Dhaka:

Bangladesh Bank.
BBS. (1989). Bangladesh Census of Non-Farm Economic Activities and Disabled Person-
1986. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics.
BBS. (2007). Economic Census 2001 & 2003: National Report. Dhaka: Bangladesh Bureau
of Statistics.
BBS. (2007). Report on Annual Establishments and Institutions Survey, 2002-03. Dhaka:
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics.
BBS. (2009). Bangladesh Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities-2009

(BSIC-2009). Dhaka: Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics.
BBS. (2010). Farm Poultry and Livestock Survey 2007-08. Dhaka: Bangladesh Bureau of
Statistics.
BBS. (2010). Report on Bangladesh Survey of Manufacturing Industris (SMI) 2005-06.

Dhaka: Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics.
BBS. (2012). Bangladesh Central Product Classification (BCPC-2011). Dhaka: Bangladesh

Bureau of Statistics.
BBS. (2013). Cottage Industry Survey 2011. Dhaka: Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics.
United Nations. (2008). International Standard Industrial Classification of all Economic

Activities Rev. IV. Retrieved September 09, 2013, from United Nations Statistics
Division: http://unstats.un.org/unsd/publication/seriesM/seriesm_4rev4e.pdf
United Nations. (2008). International Standard Industrial Classification of all Economic

Activities Rev. IV. New York: Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Statistics
Division, UN.
United Nations. (2010). Economic Census: Challenges and Good Practices- A Technical
Report. New York: Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Statistics Division,
UN.
World Bank. (2012). Bangladesh: Towards Accelerated, Inclusive and Sustainable Growth-
Opportunities and Challenges. Dhaka: World Bank.
[33]
[34]
ANNEX
[35]
ANNEX
Annex-I : Concepts & Definitions
Economic Activity: All activities undertaken for profit or own accounts are
considered as economic activities. Such activities shall refer to production,
distribution, marketing and sales of goods and services.
Economic Unit: Economic Unit is defined as a single establishment or economic

household operating economic activities for profit, household gain or indirect benefit
to the community.
Establishment: The basic economic unit operated in a permanent or temporary place

is called establishment. It is usually a combination of both activities and resources
under a single ownership and location. If the activity is conducted in a separate room
or place only for shop/show room/plants is also considered as separate economic
establishment.
Permanent Structure: A structure that has a fixed location and permanent shed, wall
and fence is a permanent structure. It may be a building, tin shed or a hut or parts
there off. It usually lasts for more than a year.
Temporary Structure: Temporary structures are those which have temporary shed but
with no wall or fence. It may also be a type with wall or fence but no shed.
Permanent Establishment: An economic unit outside household having fixed

location and permanent structure is a permanent establishment. Permanent
establishment is organized in a permanent structure.
Temporary Establishment: An economic unit outside household located in a fixed

place beside a road or in a market place, whether under a temporary shed for a year or
more is a temporary establishment. The structure may have either shed and no fence
or either fence or no shed. Temporary establishment is organized in a temporary
structure.
Economic Household: Many households have non-agricultural economic activities

such as cottage industry, shop or workshop in or within its premise. These are
classified as Economic Household. However, economic activities operated in the
household, economic activities operated outside the household such as hawking,
operating own rickshaw/push cart/van/easy bike, street vendor etc. were included
within the purview of the household based economic activities.
Non-profit Establishments: The establishments those work for social service and not
for profit are non-profit establishments. If there are profitable undertakings and profits
actually earned, they are consequently diverted into peoples’ service activities. The
non-profit establishments like mosques, temples, churches, free schools, different
professional associations, political parties, trade unions, employees’ associations,
[36]
clubs, orphanages, volunteer organizations, sports/cultural organization, NGOs etc.

are covered in the category,
Rural Area: The areas outside those of City Corporations, Paurashava and Upazila
Headquarters in the country constitute the rural area.
Urban Area: There are three components of the urban area. The areas covered under
City Corporation, Paurashava and Upazila Headquarters are treated as urban area for
the Economic Census 2013.
Ward: Ward is a part of Paurashava or City Corporation. For administrative

convenience each Paurashava and City Corporation is divided into different parts.
Each part is called a Ward which has an independent and a distinct map. A ward is an
urban unit and its equivalent unit in the rural area is a Union.
Mauza: The smallest revenue collection unit in the country is called Mauza. It has a
distinct map called Cadastral Survey (CS) map. Each Mauza has a Jurisdiction List
(JL) number. A Mauza is a popular unit in the village and is called a revenue village.
Mahalla: The smallest informal unit in the urban area is a Mahalla and its equivalent
unit in the rural area is a village. Each Mahalla is a part of a ward which is a part of a
Paurashava or City Corporation in the urban area.
Paurashava: According to Paurashava Ordinance 1977, Paurashava is an urban area

demarcated by a defined area map and location. It is within the jurisdiction of Local
Government Division, Ministry of LGRD & Cooperatives. The Paurashava is headed
by a Mayor & has an autonomous status in the Local Government. The Paurashava
authority builds physical infrastructure, sewerage system, administration and other
civil amenities for its people.
Upazila Headquarters: Upazila Headquarters is also an urban area formed around

Upazila complex or Upazila police Station as a nuclear point. If a part of a Mauza
falls within the Upazila Headquarters it is brought under its coverage for the
convenience of census enumeration.
Growth Centre: Growth Centers are called provisionally the convenient well-
communication marketing places where the producers of agriculture bring products
from rural areas for marketing of their commodities to distributors or wholesaler in
exchange of reasonable price. The economic activities of these rural marketing centers
developed and constructed by the Local Government and Engineering Department
(LGED) will be counted in the economic census.
Non-Economic Activities: Human activities which are not performed for money or
money's worth are called non-economic activities, for instance, if person/persons of
family are engaged in household works like cooking, taking care of own family
members, helping in studying the children, will not be considered as economic
activities in the census.
[37]
Definitions of different economic units used in three censuses are given below:
Type of
Economic 2013 2001 & 03 1986
Units
An economic unit Economic unit Units primarily

outside household having fixed engaged in
having fixed location location and economic
Permanent Establishments
and permanent permanent structure activities with

structure is a (lasting for more permanent
permanent than a year) is a structure and
establishment. permanent fixed location.
Permanent establishment.
establishment is Permanent
organized in a establishment is
permanent structure. organized in
permanent
structure.
An economic unit Economic Units Economic units,

outside household situated in a fixed situated in a
located in a fixed place beside a road fixed place
place beside a road or or in a market place beside a road or
in a market place, whether under a in a market
whether under a temporary shed for place, whether
temporary shed for a a year or more is under a
Temporary Establishments
year or more is a temporary temporary shed

temporary establishment. The or sky.
establishment. The structure may have
structure may have either shed and no
either shed and no fence or either
fence or either fence fence or no shed.
or no shed. The activity
Temporary undertaken
establishment is regularly under the
organized in a open sky is also
temporary structure. included in the
category.
Temporary
Establishment is
organized in a
temporary
structure.
[38]
Many households Many households Premise-based

have non-agricultural have non- Economic
economic activities agricultural Activity:
such as cottage economic activities Many
industry, shop or such as cottage households have
workshop in or industry, shop or non-agricultural
within its premise. workshop in or economic
These are classified within its premise. activities such as
as Economic These are classified a cottage
Household. However, as premise based industry, shop or
economic activities economic workshop in or
operated in the establishments. within its
household, economic Premised based premises. These
activities operated establishment is are classified as
outside the household organized in a households with
such as hawking, premise based premise based
operating own structure. The economic
rickshaw/push structure may be activity.
cart/van/easy bike, either permanent or Floating
Economic Households
street vendor etc. temporary or even economic

were included within under the open sky. activity in
the purview of the households: If
household based any member of
economic activities. the households is
self-employed
and engaged in
floating
occupation like
hawking, pulling
a rickshaw, shoe-
polishing etc.,
that household is
classified as a
household with
floating
economic
activity.
Members of the
households who
are engaged in
permanent jobs
or are working
for others in
exchange for
wages are not
included.
[39]
Annex-II : Definitions of Broad Industrial Classifications

According to International Standard of Industrial Classification, 2008 Industries are
classified into 21 broad sections (United Nations, 2008). The report follows the
classification and covered the sections by customizing those in Bangladesh context.
The definitions of those broad sections are in below:
Agriculture, forestry and fishing: Agriculture, forestry and fishing activities

comprise the exploitation of vegetal and animal natural resources, comprising the
activities of growing of crops, raising and breeding of animals, harvesting of timber
and other plants, animals or animal products from a farm or their natural habitats. In
Economic Census 2013 only non-household based such types of activities has been
considered as economic activities.
Mining and Quarrying: This section includes the extraction of minerals occurring
naturally as solids (coal and ores), liquids (petroleum) or gases (natural gas).
Extraction can be achieved by different methods such as underground or surface
mining, well operation, seabed mining etc. These activities also include
supplementary activities aimed at preparing the crude materials for marketing, for
example, crushing, grinding, cleaning, drying, sorting, concentrating ores,
liquefaction of natural gas and agglomeration of solid fuels. These operations are
often carried out by the units that extracted the resource and/or others located nearby.
Manufacturing unit: The processing units engaged in manufacturing are often

described as plants, factories or mills and characteristically use power-driven
machines and materials-handling equipment. However, economic units that transform
materials or substances into new products by hand or in the worker’s home and those
engaged in selling to the general public of products made on the same premises from
which they are sold, such as bakeries and custom tailors, are also included in this
section. Manufacturing units may process materials or may contract with other units
to process their materials for them. Both types of units are included in manufacturing.
Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply: This section includes the activity
of providing electric power, natural gas, steam, hot water and the like through a
permanent infrastructure (network) of lines, mains and pipes. The dimension of the
network is not decisive; also included are the distribution of electricity, gas, steam,
[40]
hot water and the like in industrial parks or residential buildings. This section
therefore includes the operation of electric and gas utilities, which generate, control
and distribute electric power or gas. Also included is the provision of steam and air-
conditioning supply.
Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities: This section
includes activities related to the management (including collection, treatment and
disposal) of various forms of waste, such as solid or non-solid industrial or household
waste, as well as contaminated sites. The output of the waste or sewage treatment
process can either be disposed of or become an input into other production processes.
Activities of water supply are also grouped in this section, since they are often carried
out in connection with, or by units also engaged in, the treatment of sewage.
Construction: This section includes general construction like construction of entire

dwellings, office buildings, stores and other public and utility buildings, farm
buildings etc. and specialized construction activities for buildings and civil
engineering works likely works such as motorways, streets, bridges, tunnels, railways,
airfields, harbors and other water projects, irrigation systems, sewerage systems,
industrial facilities, pipelines and electric lines, sports facilities etc. It includes new
work, repair, additions and alterations, the erection of prefabricated buildings or
structures on the site and also construction of a temporary nature. This work can be
carried out on own account or on a fee or contract basis. Portions of the work and
sometimes even the whole practical work can be subcontracted out. Also included is
the repair of buildings and engineering works.
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles: This section
includes wholesale and retail sale (i.e. sale without transformation) of any type of
goods and the rendering of services incidental to the sale of these goods. Wholesaling
and retailing are the final steps in the distribution of goods. Goods bought and sold are
also referred to as merchandise. Also included in this section are the repair of motor
vehicles and motorcycles.
Transportation and Storage: Economic unit engaged in passenger or freight

transport, whether scheduled or not, by rail, road, water or air and associated activities
such as terminal and parking facilities, cargo handling, storage etc. included in this
[41]
section is the renting of transport equipment with driver or operator. Postal and
courier activities are also included here.
Accommodation and food service activities: Activities of economic units includes the
provision of short-stay accommodation for visitors and other travelers and the
provision of complete meals and drinks fit for immediate consumption. The amount
and type of supplementary services provided within this section can vary widely
(United Nations, 2008). It also includes either one or both of hotels and restaurants.
Information and communication: These activities includes the production and

distribution of information and cultural products, the provision of the means to
transmit or distribute these products, as well as data or communications, information
technology activities and the processing of data and other information service
activities. The main components of this section are publishing activities, including
software publishing, motion picture and sound recording activities, radio and TV
broadcasting and programming activities, telecommunications activities and
information technology activities and other information service activities.
Financial and insurance activities: This section includes financial service activities,
including insurance, reinsurance and pension funding activities and activities to
support financial services. This section also includes the activities of holding assets,
such as activities of holding companies and the activities of trusts, funds and similar
financial entities.
Real estate activities: This section includes acting as lessors, agents and/or brokers in
one or more of the following: selling or buying real estate, renting real estate,
providing other real estate services such as appraising real estate or acting as real
estate escrow agents. Activities in this section may be carried out on own or leased
property and may be done on a fee or contract basis. Also included is the building of
structures, combined with maintaining ownership or leasing of such structures.
Professional, scientific and technical activities: This section includes specialized

professional, scientific and technical activities. These activities require a high degree
of training, and make specialized knowledge and skills available to user.
[42]
Administrative and support service activities: This section includes a variety of

activities that support general business operations. These activities differ from those
in section M, since their primary purpose is not the transfer of specialized knowledge.
Public administration and defense; compulsory social security: This section

includes activities of a governmental nature, normally carried out by the public
administration. This includes the enactment and judicial interpretation of laws and
their pursuant regulation, as well as the administration of programmes based on them,
legislative activities, taxation, national defense, public order and safety, immigration
services, foreign affairs and the administration of government programmes. This
section also includes compulsory social security activities.
Education: This section includes public or private education at any level or for any
profession, oral or written as well as by radio and television or other means of
communication. It includes education by the different establishments in the regular
school system at its different levels as well as adult education, literacy programmes,
religious education (madrashas), technical education, computer education,
professional coaching centres, training centres etc. Also included are military schools
and academies, prison schools etc. at their respective levels.
Human health and social work activities: This section includes the provision of
health and social work activities. Activities include a wide range of activities, starting
from health care provided by trained medical professionals in hospitals and other
facilities, over residential care activities that still involve a degree of health care
activities to social work activities without any involvement of health care
professionals.
Arts, entertainment and recreation: This section includes a wide range of activities
to meet varied cultural, entertainment and recreational interests of the general public,
including live performances, operation of museum sites, gambling, sports and
recreation activities.
Other service activities: This section (as a residual category) includes the activities of
membership organizations, the repair of computers and personal and household goods
and a variety of personal service activities not covered elsewhere in the classification.
[43]
Activities of households as employers; undifferentiated goods- and services-

producing activities of households for own use: Activities of households as
employers of domestic personnel. This class includes: activities of households as
employers of domestic personnel such as maids, cooks, waiters, valets, butlers,
laundresses, gardeners, gatekeepers, stable-lads, chauffeurs, caretakers, governesses,
babysitters, tutors, secretaries etc. This division also includes the undifferentiated
subsistence goods-producing and services producing activities of households.
Households should be classified here only if it is impossible to identify a primary
activity for the subsistence activities of the household. If the household engages in
market activities, it should be classified according to the primary market activity
carried out.
Activities of extraterritorial organizations and bodies: activities of international

organizations such as the United Nations and the specialized agencies of the United
Nations system, regional bodies etc., the International Monetary Fund, the World
Bank, the World Customs Organization, the Organization for Economic Co-operation
and Development, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, the European
Communities, the European Free Trade Association etc. This class also includes:
activities of diplomatic and consular missions when being determined by the country
of their location rather than by the country they represent.
[44]
Annex-III : Persons involved in Preparation of this Report
List of Personnel Engaged in Preparing this Report
1. Md. Dilder Hossain Project Director

2. Md. Golam Mostofa Deputy Project Director
3. Md. Alamgir Hossen Statistical Officer
4. Mohiuddin Ahmed Statistical Officer
5. Md. Nazmul Hoque Statistical Officer
6. Muhammad Rafiqul Islam Statistical Officer
7. Pratik Bhattacharjee Statistical Officer
8. Md. Shah Alam Statistical Officer
9. Mahnuma Rahman Statistical Officer
10. S. M. Anwar Hussain Statistical Investigator
Committee for Finalization of the Preliminary Report
1. Md. Shamsul Alam Director, Industry & Labor Wing Convener

2. Dr. Dipankar Roy Deputy Director, National Accounting Wing Member
3. Kabir Uddin Ahmed Deputy Director, Industry & Labor Wing Member
4. Md. Dilder Hossain Project Director, Economic Census 2013 Project Member
5. Md. Alamgir Hossen Statistical Officer, Census Wing Member Secretary
Committee for Preparation of the Preliminary Report
1. Md. Mizanur Rahman Deputy Director General Convener

2. Satya Ranjan Mondal Director, National Accounting Wing Member
3. Md. Zahidul Hoque Sardar Director, Census Wing Member
4. Md. Shamsul Alam Director (CC), Industry and Labour Wing Member
5. Md. Mashud Alam Joint Director, Demography and Health Wing Member
6. Dr. Dipankar Roy Deputy Director, National Accounting Wing Member
7. Kabir Uddin Ahmed Deputy Director, Industry and Labour Wing Member
8. A K M Ashraful Haque Deputy Project Director, Economic Census 2013 Project Member
9. Salma Hasnayen Deputy Director, National Accounting Wing Member
10. Md. Golam Mostofa Deputy Project Director, Economic Census 2013 Project Member
11. Md. Mahbubur Rahman Deputy Director, National Accounting Wing Member
12. Md. Alamgir Hossen Statistical Officer, Census Wing Member
13. Mohiuddin Ahmed Statistical Officer, Census Wing Member
14. Md. Dilder Hossain Project Director, Economic Census 2013 Project Member Secretary
[45]
Annex-IV : Census Questionnaire

Annex-V : Census Tally Sheet
[47]
Annex-VII: Glimpses of different activities during the Economic Census 2013
Honourableble Planning Minister Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) A K Khandker

Khandker, Bir Uttam,, MP accompanied by
Secretary, Statistics and Informatics Division Mr. Md. Nojibur Rahman, Director General, Bangladesh Bureau of
Statistics Mr. Golam Mostafa Kamal called on the Honourable President Mr. Md. Abdul Hamid on 26.05.2013 to
brief him about the Economic Census 2013. Secretary to the Honourable President Mr. Md. Monjur Hossain and
other senior officials were also present.
Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is talking with Honourable Finance Minister Mr. Abul Maal Abdul
Muhith, MP and Honourable Planning Minister Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) A K Khandker, BU, MP in the National
Economic Council (NEC)
NEC) Meeting regarding Economic Census 2013 on 19 March 2013.
[48]
Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Hasina,, Honourable Finance Minister Mr. Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, MP,
Honourable Planning Minister Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) A K Khandker, BU, MP and Secretaries concerned were
given a briefing on the forth coming Economic Census 2013 by Secretary, Statistics and Informatics Division Mr.
Md. Nojibur Rahman at the NEC meeting on 19 March 2013.
Honourable Finance Minister Mr. Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, MP, MP Honourable Planning Minister Air Vice
Marshal (Retd.) A K Khandker, BU, MP, Secretary, Statistics and Informatics Division Mr. Md. Nojibur Rahman
and President, the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) Kazi Akram Uddin
Ahmed are seen in the inaugural session
ssion of Economic Census 2013 on 15 March 2013.
[49]
Honourable Finance Minister Mr. Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, MP, Honourable Planning Minister Air Vice
Marshal (Retd.) A K Khandker, BU, MP, Secretary, Statistics and Informatics Division Mr. Md. Nojibur Rahman
and Director General of BBS Mr. Golam Mostafa Kamal are seen in the inaugural session of Economic Census on
15 March 2013.
Honourable Finance Minister Mr. Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, MP, Mr. Badaruddin Ahmed Kamran, the then
Mayor of Sylhet City Corporation, Secretary, Statistics and Informatics Division Mr. Md. Nojibur Rahman and
Director General, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics Mr. Golam Mostafa Kamal are talking with the Enumerators
during Piloting of Economic Census 2013 in Sylhet District on 08 February 2013.
[50]
Secretary, Statistics and Informatics Division Mr. Md. Nojibur Rahman and Director General of BBS Mr. Golam
Mostafa Kamal are visiting at the field level to observe the preparation of Economic Census 2013.
Secretary, Statistics and Informatics Division Mr. Md. Nojibur Rahman and Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed, President,
the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) are exchanging greetings in
FBCCI Conference Room regarding the Economic Census on 11 May 2013.
[51]
Deputy Commissioner of Faridpur District Mr. Moin Uddin Ahmed is delivering his speech in the District Census
Committee Meeting on Economic Census 2013. Joint Director of BBS Mr. Ziauddin Ahmed and Regional
Statistical Officer of Faridpur Region Ms. Minakhi Biswas are present in the meeting.
Deputy Commissioner of Pabna Mr. Mostafizur Rahman is inaugurating the Economic Census 2013. Pabna Sadar
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ms. Salma Khatun and Regional Statistical Officer of Pabna Region Mr. H. M. Firoz are
present in the inaugural session.
[52]

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Preliminary Report on Economic Census 2013

BANGLADESH BUREAU OF STATISTICS (BBS)

Agrahayon, 1419 Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) A K Khandker, BU

Agrahayon, 1419 Md. Nojibur Rahman

I gratefully acknowledge the contribution of the Secretary, Statistics and Informatics

Agrahayon, 1419 Golam Mostafa Kamal

We are also grateful to the Members of the Preliminary Report Preparation

Agrahayon, 1419 Md. Dilder Hossain

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 1

CHAPTER 2: CENSUS PLANNING AND OPERATION ............................................................ 7

CHAPTER 3: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS ................................................................................. 15

PMT Project Management Team

2013 2001 & 2003 1986

Upazila Headquarters 76483 1.7 - -

Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) of the Statistics and Informatics Division

New Horizon in the Census Process

Use of Digital Maps

New Approach in Training and Quality Control

Accelerated Growth of Economic Units During last Decade

Regional Variations Still Persistent in Economic Activities

Regions Experienced a Consistent Advancement in Trading and Industrialization

Base of Bangladesh Economy is Getting Stronger and Moving towards

Household Based Economic Activities are in Rapid Expansion

Rural Economy has Boosted up with Higher Growth in Northern Bangladesh

Service Sector Plays Dominating Role in Growth of Economic Units

The other objectives are:

• To prepare an up to date directory of industries and business enterprises for urban

• To observe economic activities performed by the households in the informal

1.3 Scope and Coverage

CENSUS PLANNING AND

2.1 Census Process

2.1.1 Listing of Establishments and Households

2.1.2 Zonal Operation

supervisors, further checking of geo-code, formation of various census committees

2.1.3 Pilot Census

2.1.4 Mapping & Geo-Coding

2.1.5 Manuals and Control Forms

2.1.7 Training and Data Collection

2.2 Limitations of the Preliminary Report

3.1 Total Economic Units

3.2 Distribution of Economic Units by Type in the Last Three

Unit 2991238 335851 381055 3708144

Unit 1561949 62041 545429 2169419

While the number of total economic units show

Figure 1: Distribution of Economic Units in 2013 by Type

Parmanent Establishment Temporary Establishment Economic Household

Figure 2: Percentage Distribution of Economic Units by Type in the Last Three

1986 2001 & 03 2013

72.0 80.7 56.2

3.3 Distribution of Economic Units by Division

Table 3.2: Distribution of Economic Units

Rajshahi 547839 45.0 55539 4.6 614255 50.4 1217633 15.1

Khulna 397076 72.7 46852 8.6 101990 18.7 545918 14.7

Rajshahi 172611 60.0 5953 2.1 109135 37.9 287699 13.3

Figure 3: Total Number of Economic

Barisal Chittagong Dhaka Khulna Rajshahi Rangpur Sylhet

3.4 Inter-censal Growth of Economic Units by Division, 1986-2013

Barisal 385233 4.8 205263 5.5 144299 6.7 42.2 87.7

Chittagong 1384757 17.1 670544 18.1 455141 21.0 47.3 106.5