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Published on 12:00 AM, March 10, 2020
Socio-economic Progress: Bangladesh example for other countries
NGOs play key role, Amartya Sen tells discussion in Dhaka via Skype
Staff Correspondent
Emphasising that Bangladesh's recent socioeconomic progress is an example for other countries, Nobel prize winning Indian economist Prof Amartya Sen yesterday said it was essential to understand the mechanism that helped Bangladesh achieve this success.
"One big question is the type of system for which government initiatives make progress or how NGOs achieve success. How such initiatives have been developed in Bangladesh, and as a result, successes higher than those in other countries could have been achieved," he said.
Prof Sen was addressing a discussion at Dhaka University's Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban via Skype from India.
He was the designated chief guest at the programme organised by Banglar Pathshala Foundation.
In his speech, the Nobel laureate said in Bangladesh, initiatives by NGOs like Brac, Grameen Bank and Gonoshasthaya Kendra contributed significantly to the country's progress.
He said the government also had its well-thought-out action plan, which, together with the NGO-based initiatives, had helped bring about a big change in Bangladesh.
"A big change must have happened. Why did this not happen in other societies? Why not in India, in Pakistan or not even when Bangladesh was the erstwhile East Pakistan?" he further said.
He said there were two reasons for Bangladesh's progress and one of them was the contribution of the women.
"In Bangladesh, the women's contribution is significant," Sen said, adding that there was an urgency for women empowerment, which was highlighted significantly in different plans.
He said NGO-based initiatives like those of Brac and Grameen Bank have prioritised women's contribution to Bangladesh.
In his view, the biggest contribution to economic, social and political progress can be made through showing responsibility after going beyond accountability.
Banglar Pathshala Foundation organised the discussion to inaugurate a year-long study circle on the topic titled "Amartya Sen in Quest of Prosperous and Righteous Society".
As part of the initiative, 12 classes and four public lectures will take place throughout the year starting from March 21, said organisers.
Prior to his speech, the economist formally inaugurated the study circle.
Presenting a keynote paper on the topic titled "Relevance of Amartya Sen's Thoughts in Bangladesh", noted economist Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud said the Nobel laureate's thoughts on famine gives a newer perspective in terms of dealing with hunger in Bangladesh.
On Bangladesh's progress, he said this could have been achieved despite significant weaknesses in the country's governance system and institutions.
Prof Wahiduddin stressed the need for strengthening accountability mechanisms and a strong mass media in the country.
Chairing the discussion, eminent economist Prof Rehman Sobhan said the big problem Bangladesh is facing today is the problem of growing inequalities at all levels and deterioration in economic opportunities.
The compromising of the democratic process had led to the capture of the country's legislative institutions, he said.
In his speech, Prime Minister's Economic Affairs Adviser Mashiur Rahman said the contribution of private initiatives in different sectors, especially in education and healthcare services, have been crucial for the country's progress.
He, however, said all countrymen do not have the financial capability to secure such private sector services which may create inequality.
Former finance minister M Syeduzzaman and the study circle convener Prof Siddiqur Rahman Osmani, among others, spoke at the discussion.
www.thedailystar.net/backpage/news/bangladeshs-progress-example-others-1878574%3famp
Socio-economic Progress: Bangladesh example for other countries
NGOs play key role, Amartya Sen tells discussion in Dhaka via Skype
Staff Correspondent
Emphasising that Bangladesh's recent socioeconomic progress is an example for other countries, Nobel prize winning Indian economist Prof Amartya Sen yesterday said it was essential to understand the mechanism that helped Bangladesh achieve this success.
"One big question is the type of system for which government initiatives make progress or how NGOs achieve success. How such initiatives have been developed in Bangladesh, and as a result, successes higher than those in other countries could have been achieved," he said.
Prof Sen was addressing a discussion at Dhaka University's Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban via Skype from India.
He was the designated chief guest at the programme organised by Banglar Pathshala Foundation.
In his speech, the Nobel laureate said in Bangladesh, initiatives by NGOs like Brac, Grameen Bank and Gonoshasthaya Kendra contributed significantly to the country's progress.
He said the government also had its well-thought-out action plan, which, together with the NGO-based initiatives, had helped bring about a big change in Bangladesh.
"A big change must have happened. Why did this not happen in other societies? Why not in India, in Pakistan or not even when Bangladesh was the erstwhile East Pakistan?" he further said.
He said there were two reasons for Bangladesh's progress and one of them was the contribution of the women.
"In Bangladesh, the women's contribution is significant," Sen said, adding that there was an urgency for women empowerment, which was highlighted significantly in different plans.
He said NGO-based initiatives like those of Brac and Grameen Bank have prioritised women's contribution to Bangladesh.
In his view, the biggest contribution to economic, social and political progress can be made through showing responsibility after going beyond accountability.
Banglar Pathshala Foundation organised the discussion to inaugurate a year-long study circle on the topic titled "Amartya Sen in Quest of Prosperous and Righteous Society".
As part of the initiative, 12 classes and four public lectures will take place throughout the year starting from March 21, said organisers.
Prior to his speech, the economist formally inaugurated the study circle.
Presenting a keynote paper on the topic titled "Relevance of Amartya Sen's Thoughts in Bangladesh", noted economist Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud said the Nobel laureate's thoughts on famine gives a newer perspective in terms of dealing with hunger in Bangladesh.
On Bangladesh's progress, he said this could have been achieved despite significant weaknesses in the country's governance system and institutions.
Prof Wahiduddin stressed the need for strengthening accountability mechanisms and a strong mass media in the country.
Chairing the discussion, eminent economist Prof Rehman Sobhan said the big problem Bangladesh is facing today is the problem of growing inequalities at all levels and deterioration in economic opportunities.
The compromising of the democratic process had led to the capture of the country's legislative institutions, he said.
In his speech, Prime Minister's Economic Affairs Adviser Mashiur Rahman said the contribution of private initiatives in different sectors, especially in education and healthcare services, have been crucial for the country's progress.
He, however, said all countrymen do not have the financial capability to secure such private sector services which may create inequality.
Former finance minister M Syeduzzaman and the study circle convener Prof Siddiqur Rahman Osmani, among others, spoke at the discussion.
www.thedailystar.net/backpage/news/bangladeshs-progress-example-others-1878574%3famp
