Meaning of development

Development has become a buzzword in the world as well as in our country. The question is, what is the real meaning of development? Now we (Bangladeshi) are being called emerging tigers, next 11 etc. But the real income gap between the rich and the poor is increasing with the passage of time. At present, per capita income in our country is $1190, but the matter is how many people are able to make both ends meet? Highride buildings are being built, but number of slums is also increasing. Now about 26.7 per cent (2013) of our population are living below the poverty line. Although the percentage is relatively low compared to 70 per cent in 1971, the number of poor living below the poverty line is the same. Achieving GDP growth of above 6 per cent does not mean anything to the poor and destitute. So the development that we talk about, means nothing to the majority people. It is taken as a game to change the fates of the rich, not the poor. To make real development, ensuring justice is an important precondition. Now-a-days to ensure justice we have to make sustainable development. The meaning of sustainable development is : "sustainable development is an approach to daily decisions that integrates probable consequences to the environment, the economy and human health and well-being. It is a way of making decisions that balances the needs of today without sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet their need" (Manitoba conservation 1999). To ensure sustainable development, social safety net area on the basis of increasing employment should be wider and adequate. Social business by Dr. Mohammad Yunus can be an effective means to make our development more meaningful. In 1971 we fought Pakistan against their  economic discrimination and oppression. Now it is the best time to implement the spirit of liberation by removing all discrimination and corruption to ensure justice to our freedom loving people.

Sobhan Ali

sobhan.dd@gmail.com