The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) has reported an increase in the functional literacy rate among individuals aged seven years and above to 77.9% in 2023, up from 76.8% in 2022. This rate stands at 80.1% for males and 75.8% for females. The findings were officially disclosed during the release of the "Bangladesh Sample Vital Statistics 2023: Key Findings" at the BBS headquarters in Agargaon. State Minister for Planning Md Shahiduzzaman Sarker attended the event as the chief guest. The BBS Director General Mohammad Mijanur Rahman presided over the event, where key findings of the survey were presented by Project Director Md Alamgir Hossain. According to the survey, the total population in Bangladesh as of January 1, 2024, was 171.59 million, with 87.39 million males and 84.20 million females. The survey also highlighted demographic statistics such as age distribution, life expectancy, population density, birth and death rates, and mobile phone and internet usage. Shahiduzzaman Sarker emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making for national development initiatives, praising the BBS for its efforts in providing reliable statistics. Dr Shahnaj Arefin mentioned the BBS's ongoing efforts to expand the Sample Vital Registration System (SVRS) to incorporate more comprehensive data.