In praise of cautious optimism

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Depending upon the lens through which one analyses Bangladesh's current economic development, people will arrive at different conclusions. This is similar to the parable of four blindfolded humans who touch different parts of an elephant and conclude that it is a rope (tail), snake (trunk), pillar (legs), and wall (body).
Bangladesh needs leaders and policy makers who can see different parts of the elephant at the same time without deeply entangling with ideologies.
Extreme optimism has led to an intense backlash which may put economic development on hold. Extreme pessimistic view, on the other hand, has maintained the status quo of poverty and desperation. Cautious optimists recognise that inclusive economic development, managed liberalisation, and global trade are necessary steps to have sustainable progress. Foreign capital and technology are necessary to create jobs, become efficient, and compete effectively. Cautious optimists recognise that meaningful development cannot be achieved without investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Sadly, the actions of pessimists to protect the underprivileged may prolong poverty and desperation, while those of optimists may exacerbate these actions. We must engage different viewpoints and temper extreme views for a meaningful development.
We need cautious optimists to move Bangladesh ahead.
Gopal Sengupta
McGill University
Canada
gopal.sengupta@mail.mcgill.ca