Preface

This 1999 issue of the "The Statistical Pocketbook of Bangladesh" is the twentieth edition in the series. Although this publication has been slightly belated it is expected that the next edition will be printed in the very near future, so as to bring the sequence of publications up to date. These Pocketbooks are a compendium and digest of facts and figures on Bangladesh which are published annually. Users requiring more detailed information, are advised to refer to other publications of the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), particularly the "Statistical Yearbook of Bangladesh".

I would like to thank all the officers and staff of the Bureau who have worked hard in bringing out this publication and express my deep appreciation to various government departments, autonomous bodies and organisations which have provided information.

Comments and suggestions from the users are always welcome.