Human Development in Bangladesh: A Dynamic Trajectory

Abstract

People are the real wealth of a nation. The fundamental objective of development is to create an enabling environment for people to enjoy a long, healthy and creative life. This may appear to be a simple truth, but it is often forgotten in the immediate concern with the accumulation of commodities and financial wealth. In its development journey, Bangladesh has always put people at the centre of development. Its focus has never been simply on the richness of the economy, but also on the richness of the lives of its people. Bangladesh strives towards eradicating poverty, reducing inequality and ensuring environment sustainability, while building a fair society in which the rule of law, fundamental human rights and freedom, and justice would be secured for all citizens. This chapter reflects on the overall human development landscape of Bangladesh from a historical perspective, looking at the country’s human development trajectory over the past 50 years. It starts with a short account of the human development framework, followed by a section on human development trends of Bangladesh—the achievements, the disparities and the deprivations. The next section highlights the factors contributing to these achievements. It then points out the country’s human development challenges—lingering, deepening and emerging. The chapter ends with a discussion of policy options and the institutional reforms required to march forward.