A Post Enumeration Check (PEC) conducted by the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) for the Economic Census 2024 has revealed significant variations in Net Coverage Error (NCE) across different types of locations, with City Corporation areas showing the highest undercount rate (a count or total that is less than the actual number or amount).
According to the PEC findings, the national NCE stands at 2.95%, meaning nearly 3% of economic units were missed during primary enumeration.
The preliminary estimate from the Economic Census 2024 tallied a total of 11,877,364 economic units nationwide. Following the rigorous PEC process, it has been determined that the net undercount after adjustment at the national level is 365,472 units.
The error rate differs sharply by location. City Corporation areas recorded the highest NCE at 5.99%, indicating substantial undercoverage in major urban centres.
Urban areas overall showed an error rate of 3.90%, also above the national average.
Upazila Sadar/Growth Centers reported an NCE of 2.48%, while municipalities showed a similar but slightly lower rate at 2.33%.
Rural areas performed comparatively better, with an NCE of 2.55%, still reflecting notable gaps but below the major city figures.
Officials say the higher undercount in dense urban centres reflects challenges such as rapid economic expansion, unregistered establishments, and highly mobile businesses.
The PEC is a crucial quality-assessment exercise conducted after each national census to measure coverage accuracy. The findings will help the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) adjust the preliminary census results and prepare a more accurate estimate of the country's total economic units.
The Economic Census 2024 is Bangladesh's most comprehensive mapping of business establishments, economic households, and service and industrial units.