Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) published “Economic Census 2024” on Tuesday which shows the economic units in the country increased by nearly 50 percent in a decade.
According to the census, the total number of economic units reached 1,17,02,792 in 2024, rising from 78,18,565 in 2013. This represents a 10-year increase of 38,84,227 units, or 49.65 percent.
The total workforce engaged in the country’s economic units now stands at 3,06,32,661, compared to 2,45,00,850 in 2013, representing a 25.03 percent increase in manpower. Of the total workforce, 83.28 percent are male and 16.71 percent are female.
Additionally, the participation of the Hijra community in economic activities was recorded at 0.01 percent.
Divisional data analysis shows that the highest portion of total economic units, 27.08 percent, is in the Dhaka division.
This is followed by Chattogram at 17.51 percent and Rajshahi at 14.36 percent. The lowest number of economic units is found in the Sylhet division, with just 4.67 percent. Among the other divisions, Khulna accounts for 12.73 percent, Rangpur 11.41 percent, Mymensingh 6.63 percent, and Barishal 5.61 percent.
Micro and cottage industries occupy the largest share of the country’s economic units. Statistics indicate there are 66,31,482 micro industries, accounting for 56.67 percent; 45,33,589 cottage industries at 38.74 percent; 4,92,323 small industries at 4.20 percent; 36,112 medium industries at 0.31 percent; and 9,286 large industries at 0.08 percent.
Service sector comprises 90.02 percent of economic units, numbering 1,05,34,443, while the industrial sector accounts for only 9.98 percent. In terms of business categories, the wholesale and retail trade and motor vehicle repair sector hold the highest share at 41.82 percent.
Based on ownership, 87.36 percent of permanent establishments are under personal or family ownership. Private limited companies account for 1.82 percent, while 1.44 percent of institutions are operated on a partnership basis.
According to the census data, the number of economic units in rural areas stands at 73,85,828, while there are 4,316,964 in urban areas. Units in both areas have increased significantly compared to 2013.
Moreover, 53.57 percent of the total economic units are permanent establishments, 4.91 percent are temporary, and 41.52 percent are households involved in economic activities.
