We are heartened to see the positive words from the World Bank with regard to Bangladesh, where Executive Director of the World Bank Parameswaran Iyer remarked that other developing nations can follow the development model of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh, over the past 15 years or so, has been on an upward trajectory so remarkable that even the staunchest detractors have had to at least acknowledge its progress.
Such plaudits are well deserved, with the authorities concerned and the leadership which begins with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina rightfully receiving the attention -- leadership and planning have been central to Bangladesh’s successful navigation through the hurdles to come through as a transformed nation.
Bangladesh has quadrupled its per capita income in this time period, and continues to achieve growth numbers despite the myriad challenges both natural and manmade that have emerged.
However, what must continue to be the driving mantra for the authorities is that this is only the beginning.
Bangladesh’s ultimate dream as envisioned by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been to create a prosperous nation for all Bangladeshis -- a “Shonar Bangla” -- and it is a dream that the nation wishes to achieve in less than two decades.
To that end, while we continue to develop, we must be pro-active about addressing the weaknesses and challenges within our country, and facilitate an environment that allows for the nation to continue to grow and flourish. We have won over many critics, but there is much left to prove, not just to the outside world, but to ourselves as well.