Confidence, not complacence

There is much celebration in the IMF's projection that Bangladesh has exceeded India in per capita GDP, although slightly - Bangladesh's US$1,887 as against India's US$1,877. This shows Bangladesh's encouraging achievement and the Bangladeshis have reasons to feel confident about the country's social sector progress. However, we need to be objective about the comparison for future goals.

First, India is a much bigger economy and a huge and diverse country, compared to Bangladesh's compact character. Second, the IMF forecast says, India would exceed Bangladesh in growth and per capita GDP in the coming years. Third, economists say, the GDP estimate is not an accurate method for measuring economic development. Fourth, this kind of comparison may create a false sense of satisfaction in our people.

So, we need to assess our situation with our own methods to maximise the people's welfare. Rather, we should have a look at India's development attainments and failures in some areas to take necessary steps. India is a good example for Bangladesh in view of many similarities but not making unnecessary comparison. Our development is important for us, not to show the world our development.

Salahuddin Bablu

New Eskaton, Dhaka

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