Dhaka, Oct. 21 -- A government taskforce has proposed seven priority recommendations to reform the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, focusing on greater operational and financial autonomy for the national data agency.

The taskforce also recommended appointing a professional to lead the bureau instead of an administration cadre officer, according to its final report published on Monday.

The report notes that BBS's independence is being "undermined by reliance on non-professional staff and uncertain funding".

It highlights that bureaucratic mechanisms currently govern the bureau, and recommends establishing a "well-planned senior oversight body".

The taskforce pointed out "challenges" in career progression for existing officers, suggesti...