Inclusive development for an equitable country

Through the war of independence, the people of Bangladesh sought to establish a country free from exploitation and deprivation, where every citizen would enjoy fair treatment and access to basic rights and benefits. It is deeply regrettable that even after more than half a century of independence and significant economic growth, approximately 35 million people of the country, representing 18.7 per cent of the population, still live below the poverty line. While there has been notable progress in reducing poverty, income inequality remains distressingly high, particularly among rural communities, women, and other vulnerable groups who still struggle to secure basic necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. This persistent disparity is largely driven by unequal distribution of the benefits of economic growth, which has disproportionately favoured the privileged segments of the society.
In this context, fostering inclusive development is crucial to ensure that all segments of the society, especially those who are marginalised, can share the nation's economic progress. With the fall of Sheikh Hasina's autocratic regime and the emergence of an interim government, a significant opportunity has arisen to build an equitable and just society-an opportunity the nation must seize to achieve true inclusion.
INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT: Inclusive growth and inclusive development both refer to an economic growth process that is broad-based, sustainable, and equitable, ensuring that all segments of the society, especially the marginalised and disadvantaged, benefit from economic progress. These concepts emphasise the importance of creating opportunities for everyone, reducing income inequality, and addressing social and economic disparities. Inclusive growth and development aim not only to increase overall economic output but also to distribute the gains from growth more evenly across the society, fostering social cohesion and improving the quality of life for all individuals. The core principle is the "inclusion of the excluded," focusing on dismantling barriers and promoting the participation of marginalised groups to create a more equitable society where no one is left behind.
EDUCATION AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT: Education is the cornerstone of inclusive development, and while Bangladesh has made significant progress in improving access to education, challenges remain in terms of quality and equity. To address these challenges, particularly for the marginalised communities such as rural and indigenous populations, targeted programmes are essential. Additionally, enhancing vocational and technical training can equip the youth with skills that match the demands of the evolving job market, thereby reducing unemployment and underemployment. However, to establish an education system that is both people-centred and supportive of the poor, a comprehensive reform programme is urgently needed. Immediate actions, including reconstituting the governing bodies and managing committees of nearly all educational institutions with qualified, honest, and skilled individuals are crucial. Furthermore, recruiting qualified teachers and providing rigorous training for existing educators are critical steps in improving the overall standard of education.
HEALTHCARE ACCESS AND QUALITY: Bangladesh has made notable progress in healthcare, particularly in reducing child mortality and increasing life expectancy, but significant disparities in access to quality healthcare remain, especially among rural and low-income populations. The healthcare system is plagued with challenges such as inadequate facilities, underfunding, and a shortage of skilled professionals, particularly in rural areas. High out-of-pocket expenses further hinder access for those with limited financial resources, forcing many to rely on informal and unregulated providers, resulting in incorrect treatments and worsened health outcomes. Overcrowded and under-resourced public hospitals, coupled with systemic issues like favouritism and influence of corrupt syndicates, exacerbate these challenges by creating unequal access to care, draining public resources, and diminishing the quality of healthcare. These factors erode public trust and perpetuate cycles of poverty and poor health outcomes. To address these issues, it is crucial to implement stronger regulations, increase transparency, and ensure equitable access to healthcare for all citizens by strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure and adopting universal health coverage, thereby promoting inclusive development and improving overall health outcomes in the country.
SOCIAL PROTECTION AND SAFETY NETS: Social protection programmes are crucial for safeguarding the most vulnerable populations against economic shocks and natural disasters. While Bangladesh has several social safety net programmes, their coverage and effectiveness require significant enhancement. One of the key challenges is the political bias that often influences these programmes, leading to the exclusion of a large number of people who should be beneficiaries. Additionally, the high rate of corruption in the distribution process is a major concern, as benefits are frequently siphoned off by influential individuals involved in the distribution. To achieve inclusive development, it is essential to expand these programmes to cover all vulnerable groups, including the elderly, disabled, and extreme poor.
ECONOMIC POLICY AND JOB CREATION: Economic policies should be designed to promote job creation and entrepreneurship, particularly in sectors with the potential to absorb large numbers of workers, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services. However, several challenges hinder entrepreneurship development, including limited access to capital, inadequate infrastructure, lack of technical skills, and burdensome regulatory hurdles. These barriers must be addressed promptly, as failing to do so will leave job creation as an unfulfilled promise.
Special attention should be given to empowering women and youth, who are often marginalised in the formal economy. Financial inclusion initiatives, such as mobile banking, microfinance, and tailored financial literacy programmes, can play a pivotal role in ensuring that all citizens have access to the financial resources needed to engage in economic activities. Moreover, creating a supportive ecosystem that includes mentorship, access to markets, and streamlined business registration processes is essential for nurturing entrepreneurship and driving sustainable economic growth.
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT: Infrastructure is crucial in bridging marginalised
communities with markets, services, and opportunities. To truly make a difference, investments in transportation, energy, and digital infrastructure must focus on underserved regions, especially rural and remote areas. This approach not only drives economic growth but also fosters greater social inclusion.
However, infrastructure development in Bangladesh has been marred by several challenges. Poor quality, corruption, and frequent delays are common, leading to cost overruns and poor project outcomes. Environmental degradation, community displacement, and a lack of inclusive planning further compound these issues. Additionally, political interference often distorts project priorities, while a heavy reliance on foreign loans raises concerns about debt sustainability. Critics argue that these problems underscore the urgent need for more transparent, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure development practices in Bangladesh.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: For development to be truly inclusive, environmental sustainability must be prioritised, as climate change disproportionately impacts the poor and marginalised. Integrating climate resilience into development planning is essential, with key strategies including sustainable agriculture, renewable energy investments, and robust environmental policies. However, Bangladesh faces significant challenges, such as inadequate implementation of environmental regulations, leading to severe pollution from industries like textiles and leather. Rapid urbanisation is encroaching on wetlands, while reliance on fossil fuels and poor waste management exacerbate environmental degradation. Current efforts often overlook marginalised communities, who bear the brunt of these issues, underscoring the need for more equitable and inclusive sustainability approaches. Comprehensive solutions are vital for achieving development that benefits all and preserves the environment.
CHALLENGES AND THE WAY FORWARD:
To overcome the challenges, a multi-stakeholder approach is necessary. The government, private sector, civil society, and international partners should work together to create policies and programmes that are inclusive by design. This includes fostering public-private partnerships, enhancing governance and accountability, and ensuring that marginalised groups have a voice in decision-making processes.

Md. Tauhidul Alam, CICC, is a Senior Faculty and Head of the earning Facilitation Wing, MTB Training Institute (MTBTI)
[Views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of his employer.]