Bangladesh’s progress over the last few years has been impressive.
Bangladesh’s per capita income has increased exponentially since 2013, when it was a mere $974. Now it stands at $1,355 -- an almost 40% increase.
At this rate, we could potentially surpass India by 2020, according to a report in a top financial publication.
This is in large part due to the determination and hard work of the people who call this country their home, and a government which has incentivized initiatives which have allowed business to flourish.
A key factor has been our youth, who have continued to dedicate themselves towards business and scientific innovations, and have contributed largely to the overall boost the economy has experienced.
Understanding the value of people is crucial to sustainable development as, all too often, economic progress is prioritized.
Economic development will mean little if it means that a nation’s citizens continue to suffer.
But, in this regard too, we have outshone our neighbours, improving in social indicators such as child mortality rate, gender equality, and life expectancy.
What is important, however, is that we remain consistent and focused.
There are still plenty of issues which need to be ironed out: Traffic congestion costs us crores every day, poor infrastructure and needless bureaucracy hinder development, and we continue to have a sizeable population below the poverty line.
But these are problems we can solve. Through continued economic prosperity, we can not only make our mark on the world stage, but also ensure that the people are taken care of.
