1.

HDI Trends in Bangladesh Over the Past Decade

Bangladesh has demonstrated notable advancements in its Human Development Index (HDI) over the
past decade. As reported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the HDI for
Bangladesh rose from 0.579 in 2010 to 0.661 in 2021. This enhancement signifies improvements in
health, education, and income.

Life expectancy at birth saw an increase from 69.8 years in 2010 to 72.8 years in 2021, attributed to
enhanced healthcare services, broader immunization initiatives, and better access to clean water and
sanitation facilities. Educational metrics have also improved, with the average years of schooling
increasing from 4.5 years in 2010 to 6.2 years in 2021, and the anticipated years of schooling rising from
9.3 years to 11.6 years during the same timeframe. Economic development has led to a growth in Gross
National Income (GNI) per capita, which reached $5,733 in 2021 (in PPP terms), up from $3,270 in 2010.

Nevertheless, despite these accomplishments, Bangladesh remains categorized as a medium human

development nation, ranking 129th out of 191 countries in the 2021 HDI assessments. Ongoing structural
issues, including income disparity, substandard educational quality, and inadequate healthcare
infrastructure, continue to impede further advancements.

2. Comparison of HDI Components with Developed Countries

When juxtaposed with developed countries, Bangladesh continues to experience considerable

deficiencies across all three components of the Human Development Index (HDI).

Health (Life Expectancy): The life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 72.8 years, in stark contrast to
developed nations such as Japan and Switzerland, where it surpasses 80 years. This gap can be
attributed to several factors, including inadequate healthcare infrastructure, a high incidence of
communicable diseases, and widespread malnutrition. The World Health Organization (WHO) has
indicated that non-communicable diseases are increasingly responsible for mortality in Bangladesh, yet
the public health system remains significantly underfunded.

Education: In Bangladesh, the average duration of schooling is 6.2 years, whereas in developed
countries, this figure typically exceeds 12 years. Key obstacles to educational advancement include
poverty and elevated dropout rates, particularly in rural regions. The UNESCO Global Education
Monitoring Report identifies the shortage of qualified teachers and the unequal distribution of educational
resources as major impediments to enhancing the quality of education.

Income (GNI per Capita): Bangladesh's Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, adjusted for purchasing
power parity (PPP), is $5,733, which is substantially lower than the average of $40,000 found in
developed nations. The economy's dependence on low-value-added sectors, such as the ready-made
garment industry, hampers income growth. Furthermore, income inequality poses a significant issue, with
rural inhabitants earning markedly less than their urban counterparts.

3. Effectiveness of Government Policies

The government of Bangladesh has enacted a range of policies designed to enhance the various
elements of the Human Development Index (HDI). While certain initiatives have yielded positive
outcomes, others encounter significant challenges.
Healthcare Initiatives: The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) has been instrumental in
decreasing child mortality rates and enhancing vaccination coverage. Additionally, the establishment of
community clinics throughout the nation has facilitated access to essential health services for rural
populations. Nevertheless, government expenditure on healthcare remains below 3% of GDP, which is
inadequate to address the increasing demands. A considerable portion of the population continues to
depend on out-of-pocket payments for healthcae, which intensifies disparities in access.

Educational Initiatives: Programs such as the Primary Education Stipend Project and the Female
Secondary School Stipend Program have successfully raised enrollment figures, particularly for female
students. Data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) indicates that primary school enrollment
has exceeded 97%. However, the overall quality of education is subpar, characterized by outdated
curricula and overcrowded classrooms. Furthermore, the rates of secondary education completion are
notably low, especially in rural regions.

Economic Initiatives: The government's emphasis on export-driven industries, particularly the garment
sector, has significantly contributed to economic growth and job creation. Additionally, remittances from
overseas workers are crucial to the economy, accounting for approximately 6% of GDP each year.
Despite these achievements, the economy suffers from a lack of diversification, with a heavy reliance on
low-value-added exports. This situation constrains opportunities for higher wages and innovation.

4. Alternative or Complementary Indicators

Although the Human Development Index (HDI) serves as a comprehensive gauge of human
development, additional metrics can provide a more nuanced perspective on the advancements made by
Bangladesh.

Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): This index evaluates deprivations across health, education, and
living standards. Bangladesh has made notable strides in poverty alleviation; however, a considerable
number of households continue to face vulnerability to economic shocks.

Gender Development Index (GDI): Gender inequalities remain evident, particularly in terms of labor force
participation and wage parity. The GDI serves to illuminate these disparities and can inform targeted
policy initiatives aimed at enhancing opportunities for women.

Environmental Performance Index (EPI): Given the escalating climate threats, particularly from rising sea
levels and cyclones, the EPI is essential for evaluating environmental sustainability.

Inequality-Adjusted HDI (IHDI): This metric accounts for disparities within the population. The HDI for
Bangladesh experiences a significant decline when inequality is factored in, underscoring the necessity to
address income and opportunity disparities.

5. Recommendations for Future Development Strategies

To foster sustainable human development, Bangladesh should prioritize the following initiatives:

1. Augment Investment in Healthcare: The government ought to enhance funding for healthcare services.
This includes constructing new hospitals, upgrading current facilities, and providing training for healthcare
professionals to ensure improved access to quality care. Particular attention should be directed towards
tackling non-communicable diseases and enhancing maternal health services.

2. Improve Educational Standards: Strategies should extend beyond merely increasing student
enrollment. It is crucial to invest in teacher training, adopt contemporary teaching methodologies, and
ensure adequate infrastructure in rural educational institutions. Additionally, vocational training programs
can effectively equip youth with essential practical skills.

3. Encourage Economic Diversification: Bangladesh should aim to lessen its dependence on the garment
industry by fostering the development of high-value sectors such as information technology,
pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation can lead to a
broader array of employment opportunities.

4. Tackle Gender Inequality: Initiatives aimed at boosting women's participation in the workforce should
be expanded. This encompasses the establishment of childcare facilities, the enforcement of equal pay
legislation, and the promotion of women's leadership across various sectors.

5. Prioritize Climate Adaptation: In light of its susceptibility to climate change, Bangladesh must invest in
renewable energy sources, coastal defenses, and infrastructure resilient to disasters. Community-based
adaptation initiatives can assist rural populations in managing environmental challenges.

References

1.​ United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Human Development Reports

2.​ World Bank. World Development Indicators. https://data.worldbank.org
3.​ WHO. Health Statistics for Bangladesh. https://www.who.int
4.​ UNESCO. Global Education Monitoring Report​
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Submitted By-

​ Kingsuk Nandi

​ 23052645

​ CSE-26