It is certainly encouraging to see Bangladesh's brand value rose by a record 37% to $508 billion in 2023, up from $371bn in 2022. Bangladesh has also risen and is now 97th in rank in terms of soft power among all nations, up from 105 out of 121 countries.
Over the years, Bangladesh has overcome numerous adversity and obstacles to become what the World Bank has rightfully termed as the ideal model for poverty reduction. However, it has also been rightfully perceived that despite Bangladesh's extraordinary progress, we are yet to truly reap either the benefits or truly receive the recognition we not only deserve, but have earned.
While this year's Global Soft Power Index 2023 has recognized that Bangladesh has indeed made progress, we cannot simply be happy with a ranking and not capitalize. Bangladesh is leaving money on the table every day by failing to truly brand itself to the rest of the world, and it is unfortunate that for many, it remains the nation that faces yearly natural calamities and not the burgeoning, developing economy that it is today.
This is where we need concerted effort, not just from the public sector and the government, but also the private sector. It is only when there is collaboration across the board, and a unified mission to fortify Bangladesh's place in the global world order will we begin to receive the recognition that we have earned for the way we have turned our nation around. Becoming a prosperous nation in less than two decades is a worthy goal, but we must also look to become an economy that is equally recognized and revered.
