CPD acknowledges error in factory closure data cited in economic review

The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has acknowledged and apologised for inaccurate data on factory closures presented at its recent economic review, saying its research team relied on a media report without verifying the original source.

The clarification came after The Dissent reported a discrepancy in data presented at CPD’s 24 August media dialogue, titled “The First Six Months of the New Government: An Economic Review”.

Slide 11, under the industry and trade section, stated that 95 factories had completely shut down between January and August 2026 in three major industrial areas – Gazipur, Savar-Ashulia and Narayanganj-Narsingdi – leaving 61,881 people unemployed.

CPD said the data had been taken from a report published on the Dhaka Tribune website on 22 August. The newspaper later corrected the report at 4:34pm on 25 August.

According to CPD, the earlier Dhaka Tribune report had changed the original timeframe of a Prothom Alo report published on 5 March 2025 to January-August 2026, resulting in the discrepancy.

“While preparing the report, we did not verify the original source of the information,” CPD said, expressing regret for the inadvertent confusion.

CPD said its review drew on various primary and secondary sources, including parliamentary and ministerial statements, the national budget, media reports, press releases and a report titled “180 Days of the People’s Government”.

The think tank, however, said its broader concern over factory closures remained valid. Various business organisations and their leaders have recently raised concerns about industrial shutdowns, it said, prompting CPD to highlight the issue.

“Although there was confusion in the cited data, our concern over this aspect of the economy is not unfounded,” CPD said, adding that the government should pay special attention to the issue.

CPD said its research team would be more cautious in future to prevent similar factual discrepancies. It also thanked The Dissent for bringing the issue to its attention and acknowledged its professionalism.