Bangladesh may see elected govt next year: Wahiduddin
He said the interim government is a temporary government, and he thinks there will be an elected government in 2025
Planning and Education Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud has said the interim government is temporary and Bangladesh may see a political government as early as next year.
"I don't know what will actually happen, but perhaps we will see a political government next year," he said at the Annual BIDS Conference on Development (ABCD) 2024, organised by the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), this morning (7 December).
Regarding the graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, the adviser said Bangladesh is still stuck in the lower middle-income trap and has yet to strategise on achieving the level of progress seen in the Philippines, let alone Malaysia.
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He noted that Vietnam's per capita income in the 1990s was comparable to Bangladesh's, but today, it is 40 to 50 times higher.
"They attract $20 billion in foreign direct investment annually, while we receive only $1–$2 billion. Their entire economy is export-driven, whereas we rely on just one or two export-oriented sectors. We have yet to begin meaningful international integration. Key areas such as education and technology require significant improvement," said the adviser.
He said Bangladesh has qualified twice for graduation from LDC status.
"If any country says they want to remain as an LDC and need more time, it is seen as a degrading situation. Countries like Maldives had requested to remain as a LDC but failed. If you qualify, you have to get out. We need to continue discussions with different nations," added the adviser.
Pointing out economic inequality and income distribution as two major concerns, Wahiduddin further said inequality should be the main topic of discussion.
