Dr Ahmed Riyaz Appointed Chief Statistician to Lead Maldives Bureau of Statistics

The Maldives Bureau of Statistics has officially appointed Dr Ahmed Riyaz as the Chief Statistician, a move aimed at strengthening the nation's data collection and analytical capabilities. The appointment, made under the Maldives Statistics Act, becomes effective on August 23, 2026. As the head of the Bureau, Dr Riyaz will be responsible for the administration of the Maldives' primary statistical body. Under the current legislative framework, the Chief Statistician operates based on the advice of the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, who remains accountable to the Maldivian Parliament (the Majlis) for all matters concerning the Bureau's operations. The appointment comes at a critical time as the government seeks to modernize its approach to national data. A primary objective of the Maldives Statistics Act is to fortify the country's statistical infrastructure, ensuring that economic, social, and environmental data are collected with high precision. By providing reliable and timely information, the Bureau aims to offer a more accurate reflection of the Maldives' current conditions. This data is essential for evidence-based policymaking, allowing the government and international partners to address pressing challenges in sustainable development and economic growth more effectively. The role of the Chief Statistician is pivotal in transforming raw data into actionable intelligence, ensuring that the Maldives maintains a transparent and sophisticated system of national accounts and social indicators.