BD far behind in knowledge-based economy

Bangladesh remains far behind in education, information and communications technology (ICT), invention, and knowledge-based economy among the South Asian and Pacific countries, said the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday.
The ADB carried out a study on 28 countries of Asia and Pacific region on four issues where Bangladesh's position ranged between 23rd and 27th.
Visiting vice president of the ADB Bindu Lohani submitted the study report to Finance Minister AMA Muhuith at his Secretariat office.
According to the report, Bangladesh ranked 25th in education, 23rd in ICT, and 27th in invention and knowledge-based economy among the 28 countries.   
Finance Minister AMA Muhith, referring to the ADB findings, told newsmen that Bangladesh is making speedy progress. "But the country needs to keep watch on what its competitors are doing."
He said Bangladesh should have made good progress in some issues but failed. This has kept the country behind its competitors.
 "The rate of economic growth during the first 21 years was within four per cent. We spoiled a big time," he said.
Expressing the hope of making tremendous progress by 2021, Mr Muhith said Bangladesh will graduate to 'middle-income country' soon from the present least-developed status.
 "If we give proper importance to ICT, the progress will be much easier. But we are weak in education," he said.
Replying to a query, the minister said India will maintain good relations with Bangladesh for its own interest because the duo has long common borders.
He said people of both the countries have good connections as well.
Mr Muhith also said Bangladesh and India have big bilateral trade. India is the second highest import source of Bangladesh.
He also said, Bangladesh's importance in the global economy has been increasing. That is why keeping good relations between the countries as close and friendly neighbours is very much usual.
Regarding the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) claim of the Awami League remaining in power with Indian help, the minister said none can stay in power only on the basis of others' help. People's support is a must in this connection, he added.
Mr Muhith said dependency on others is the BNP's character.