Arunabh Chakravorty | Safir Zaman
Bangladesh was once referred to by the former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger as a “Bottomless Basket”, now a rising Asian Tiger. As Bangladesh embarks on its golden Anniversary it looks away from its dark past to the bright future. From transparent investment to women empowerment to mass Introduction of industries in every diverse way. Bangladesh bade away the past of critical poverty, famine and many more hurdles. This is the story of the rising Asian Tiger.
1. The Spike in Economic Development:
Bangladesh inherited a terrible war-hit economy after the liberation struggle of 1971. After gaining independence from Pakistan, Bangladesh got trapped in the vicious cycle of poverty. Things got worse after the Political Assassination of the honorable Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Political Power Struggle between the Military Force and Political Parties. Yet, springing back from the era of darkness, our nation has shown spectacular progress despite limited resources. The GDP record has improved notably in the last decade. Since 2009, Bangladesh’ economy has shown promising development due to political stability. Bangladesh has earned great development in productivity. From a -5.48% growth rate in 1971, it has increased up to 8.15% in 2019. Although it has been affected due to Covid-19 Pandemic, our country is reaching soaring heights. The people’s per capita income has increased resulting in the improvement of their living standards. In 1971, the per-capita income was only $134 which has raised to $2064 as of 2020.
2. Agricultural Fire Wall against Poverty:
Agriculture is the profession of almost 80% of the total population of Bangladesh. A large part of our land is arable, almost as if it is a gift from the Almighty God. It is the most important domestic as well as export-oriented sector. Agricultural Research Centers had played a crucial role in meeting food demand. Many famines and food crises have been solved thanks to hybrid crops or solutions provided by the research institutes. Our government has established 5 agricultural universities and research centers.
3. The Backbone of Development, Industries:
Many Countries in Asia that have shown success in economic aspects, have invested and diversified their industrial river ways. Bangladesh has also entered the Industrial Spotlight, by entering into the Ready-Made Garments (RMG). It has shown significant change, not only in economics but also in the social aspect. Bangladesh has established a King throne in the RMG Industry. The Garment Sector is the largest export-oriented sector in our country earning nearly $34 billion every year. Besides, it has employed more than 4 million general people. Many Experts believe due to employment in RMG Factories many Lower and Middle-Class Families were encouraged for Education or Social Security. Bangladesh has also established a good number of jute, textile, sugar, fertilizer, paper, pharmaceutical, cement, tea, cotton, and tobacco and shrimp industries. Pharmaceutical is an industry that is often seen as another aspiring Industry. Beximco, Square Pharmaceutical are industries that hold a hall of fame in this industry. During 1972–1980, Bangladesh pursued an import-substituting industrialization strategy aiming to safeguard the country’s infant industries. During recent times, the manufacturing sector in GDP has increased from 4% in 1972 to 18% in 2019.
4. The Rising Connecting Infrastructures of Bangladesh :
During the war of independence, Bangladesh’s infrastructure was crippled due to the atrocities of Pakistani forces. According to an estimate of the World Bank, 4.3 million houses were destroyed only in the rural areas. But over the course of 50 years, Bangladesh has invested in infrastructure development and achieved in developing housing as well as commercial and industrial infrastructures. Some of the most notable mega infrastructure development projects are the Padma Multipurpose Bridge, Karnaphuli Bangabandhu Tunnel and Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. Besides, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Metro Rail Projects are underway. The Mawa Express Highway is one of the most notable infrastructures. Many Dhaka-Khulna bound passengers knew how much of a burden it was to reach the Mawa River port due to high traffic, bad roads etc. Now the expressway can reach Mawa within 40 Minutes!
5. The Life Support of our Nation:
The health sector is one of the most crucial sectors for a nation. Medical complexes with necessary medicines and sufficient doctors have been arranged up to Upazila and the union level. The maternity and infant mortality rate has decreased by 75%. The vibrant presence of medical institutions at both government and non-government levels has catalyzed the transformation.
6. Two Equal Tires rolling around the Delta:
Gender parity has increased in Bangladesh in almost all sectors due to the active participation of women in both socio-economic and political sectors. The rate of education and participation in the workplace of women has developed vastly. Being led by our honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the participation of women in politics is notable as well. Non-Government Organizations like Brac, US Aid etc. have encouraged women in the Cottage Industry.
7. The Red and Green Bird flying over the Space:
Bangladesh became one of the satellite launching countries of the world after launching Bangabandhu Satellite-01 on 11 May 2018. Named after the father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the satellite carries a total of 40 Ku-Band and C-Band transponders with a capacity of 1600 megahertz and a predicted life span to exceed 15 years.
Conclusion:-
Although Bangladesh has maintained a lot of achievements, to sustain these are more of a bigger challenge and it is upon us the younger generation to make “Golden Bangladesh” a Success.
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