11 MDG indicators may miss timeline

As many as eleven indicators out of 45 of the millennium development goals (MDGs) may not be achieved by the target year 2015 and this is believed mainly due to resource constraints.
There are two more indicators, as regards calorie intakes, that lack requisite data and thus kept in the dark about their status.
A latest official report revealed the shortcomings and said Bangladesh needs an amount of US$78.2 billion to achieve all the indicators of MDGs (2011-15).
An amount of US$5.0 billion in foreign assistance is needed annually to attain general growth and US$3.0 billion for higher growth.
The country actually received US$1.68 billion in Official Development Assistance (ODA) against the required US$3.0 billion ODA annually for getting to the goals of higher growth.
The report, styled Bangladesh Progress Report 2013, was prepared by the General Economics Division (GED) of the Planning Commission and unveiled formally at a function held in the National Economic Council conference room in the city.
Planning minister AHM Mustafa Kamal joined the function as chief guest.
Finance Minister AMA Muhith, adviser to the Prime Minister on Economic Affairs Dr Mashiur Rahman and state minister for finance and planning MA Mannan were guest of honours.
However, the GED says Bangladesh is on track to meet 10 more indicators under the eight broad goals based on the United Nations Millennium Declaration 2000.
GED monitors the achievements on the MDGs in Bangladesh and the latest report is of seventh of its kind.
Bangladesh has already met 12 goals with cellular phone subscription, which is impressive, says the report, presented by GED member Professor M Shamsul Alam.
But, there are two indicators - density of land-phone and internet - which show 'low-users'. One indicator - correct knowledge in relation to AIDS/HIV-is identified as 'low'.
However, six indicators have targets beyond 2015 and there is no status of progress.
Most of the indicators under the goals of achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality and empowerment of women, improving maternal health and ensuring environmental sustainability will face uncertainty in getting to targets by 2015.
Actually, there are 60 indictors of the MDGs but the GED included only 45 in its power-point presentation.
Justifying 45 indicators, GED member Mr Alam told the FE that it included 45 as they have much conformity with the target year.
"There are some indicators to be met in 2020. For this reason we have taken most common that need to be met by 2015," he said.
Speaking at the programme, Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal said Bangladesh has done much better than the other nations in respect of achieving success in MDGs targets.
He noted that people of the country are now conscious more than at any other time and they are marching towards development.
Bangladesh wants to be hunger-free by 20130, the planning expert said.
Speaking at the function, the finance minister billed Bangladesh's achievements are satisfactory.
"The indicators that we are yet to attain will be met in the next phase," he told the meet.
The finance minister said the country has been able to overcome the political instability in its journey towards attaining the indicators.
Planning Division Secretary Bhuiyan Shafiqul Islam, Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary Mohammad Mejbahuddin and members of the Planning Commission were also present.