Beyond growth-centric concerns

We are often told that the global economy is going to contract or Bangladesh's gross domestic product (GDP) growth is set to decelerate to 1.6-3.8 per cent, due to coronavirus effects. And we see debates and reactions to such forecast, as if projection itself will affect life and society. For measuring development or the lack of it, people have to use the same yardstick of growth. If a group of people is deprived of the fruits of growth, what is blamed is inequality as effects of growth.

However, we need to take into account the issue of welfare when there is the issue of prosperity. Growth does not say how many poor are starving or how many children cannot go to school or why people fail to access quality healthcare services during the pandemic. Growth statistics don't reflect the state of governance, people's mental peace and social harmony. So, in order to find out people's sufferings in the currently unprecedented situation, there should be a survey with new objectives.

SM Badal

Shyamoli, Dhaka

[email protected]