Former caretaker government adviser Dr Akbar Ali Khan on Wednesday said that Bangladesh is still on the bottom rung of 30 per cent countries in the world.
"I don't see any remarkable improvement in the country's poverty level," he said.
"If our country used to reach within 50 per cent of the list, then I will say it a significant improvement in the poverty reduction," he added.
He said around 40 poor nations were behind Bangladesh in the past. "Presently the picture is the same if the number of nations is considered," he added.
He said the World Bank used to measure poverty on 140 nations in the past and that time there were around 40 countries behind Bangladesh, and now it measures 213 nations and the country is above 40 nations.
He was critical of the existing World Bank's poverty limit or criterion. "I don't agree with the definition as it is based on some 13 developing nations."
He made the remarks while speaking on book "Direder Orthoniti: Oit, Bortoman O Bhobishshot (Economics of Poverty: Past, Present and Future).
The book launch function was held at the at the conference room of the PRI in the city.
Dr Mohammed Farashuddin, former governor of Bangladesh Bank, attended the function as the chief guest, where Dr Zaidi Sattar, chairman at the Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh, presided.
Speaking as the chief guest, Dr Mohammed Farashuddin warned the fourth industrial revolution will slash jobs for youths.
He said Bangladesh should give emphasis on the micro and small and medium enterprises as it creates much employment.
Speaking at the function, Dr Binayak Sen said the democracy is being beaten at the cost of development.
But there is choice of taking reference. "Will we take the example of Czech or Hungary, Rwanda or Botswana…."
He, however, said Bangladesh needs to containue on an average 6.0 per cent growth over the next 10-20 years.
Rizwanul Islam, former special adviser, Employment Sector, International Labour Office, former chairman of National Board of Revenue Abdul Mazid, and former commerce secretary Suhel Ahmed, spoke, among others, at the function.
jasimharoon@yahoo.com