Bangladeshi Development Index: What is in the bucket?
According to the latest data available from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Bangladesh's Human Development Index (HDI) was 0.632 in 2019, which ranks it 133 out of 189 countries.
In terms of specific fields, here are some indicators:
- Education:
The literacy rate in Bangladesh is around 74%, and the net enrollment rate in primary education is around 97%.
- Health:
The life expectancy at birth in Bangladesh is around 73 years, and the infant mortality rate is around 21 deaths per 1,000 live births.
- Economy:
Bangladesh has made significant progress in economic growth in recent years, with a GDP growth rate of around 8% in 2019. However, poverty remains a significant challenge, with around 20% of the population living below the poverty line.
- Environment:
Bangladesh is vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods and cyclones, which can have a significant impact on its environment and economy. The country has made efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable development, but more work needs to be done in this area.
Here are some indicators of Bangladesh's political status according to various international indices:
- Democracy Index:
According to the 2020 Democracy Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Bangladesh is classified as a "hybrid regime" and ranks 80th out of 167 countries. The index measures the state of democracy in countries based on factors such as electoral process, civil liberties, and political participation.
- Corruption Perceptions Index:
According to the 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International, Bangladesh ranks 146th out of 180 countries. The index measures perceived levels of public sector corruption based on expert assessments and surveys of business people.
- Freedom of the Press Index:
According to the 2021 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, Bangladesh ranks 152nd out of 180 countries. The index measures the level of freedom that journalists and media outlets have to report news and information without censorship or repression.
- Human Rights Index:
According to the 2021 World Report by Human Rights Watch, Bangladesh's human rights record remains poor, with concerns about extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, restrictions on freedom of expression, and discrimination against minorities and women.
Economic Index:
According to the latest data available from the World Bank, Bangladesh's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was $302.4 billion in 2020, with a growth rate of -1.6% due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In terms of per capita GDP, the figure was $1,837 in 2020.
Human Development Index
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Bangladesh's Human Development Index (HDI) was 0.632 in 2019, which ranks it 133 out of 189 countries. The country has made significant progress in areas such as education and health, but poverty and income inequality remain significant challenges.
Bangladesh ranked 129th out of 191 countries in the 2021/2022 human development index (HDI), placing the country in the 'Medium Human Development category, according to a report released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Thursday.
According to the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) by the UNDP, around 21.3% of Bangladesh's population lived in multidimensional poverty in 2019, down from 31.5% in 2010. The MPI measures poverty based on multiple dimensions, including health, education, and living standards.
Overall, Bangladesh is considered a lower-middle-income country with significant potential for economic growth and development. However, the country faces challenges such as climate change, political instability, and social inequality that can affect its economic progress.
Future Development for Bangladesh
Bangladesh has made significant progress in economic and social development in recent years, but there is still much work to be done to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future. Here are some areas where Bangladesh could focus on for future development:
- Climate Change:
Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, flooding, and extreme weather events. The country could prioritize investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture to mitigate the effects of climate change and build a more sustainable future.
- Education:
While Bangladesh has made progress in improving access to education, there is still room for improvement in terms of quality and relevance. The country could focus on improving the quality of education at all levels, including vocational training and skills development, to equip its workforce with the skills needed for a modern economy.
- Healthcare:
Bangladesh has made significant progress in improving healthcare access and outcomes, but there are still gaps in coverage and quality. The country could prioritize investments in primary healthcare, disease prevention, and health system strengthening to ensure that all citizens have access to quality healthcare.
- Digital Innovation:
Bangladesh has a young and tech-savvy population that is well-positioned to take advantage of digital innovation. The country could prioritize investments in digital infrastructure, e-commerce, and digital skills development to unlock the potential of its digital economy.
- Governance:
Bangladesh could focus on strengthening its governance systems, including promoting transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. This could help to reduce corruption, improve public services, and create a more favorable environment for business and investment.
Overall, there are many opportunities for Bangladesh to build a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future. By investing in these key areas, the country can ensure that its citizens have the tools and resources they need to thrive in the 21st century.
It's important to note that these indices are not perfect measures and may not capture the full picture of Bangladesh's political status.