Human capital most critical for Bangladesh, not infrastructure: Hossain Zillur
He argued that the country is faltering on standards and quality, noting that systemic problems are widespread – from traffic congestion to institutional lethargy.
Despite a decade-long fascination with infrastructure development, the most critical agenda for Bangladesh today is human capital if the country wishes to move to the next stage of development, said Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, chairperson and senior trustee of BRAC.
Speaking as the chief guest at the Research Excellence Award ceremony organised by the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) yesterday (15 December), Dr Rahman emphasised that while the country has abundant talent, it lacks the necessary systems to nurture it.
"We have had a fascination with infrastructure for a decade or so. We talk of economic transformation, which is very important. But the human capital agenda is the most important agenda for Bangladesh today," said Dr Rahman, who is a renowned economist and researcher.
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He drew stark economic comparisons to highlight this deficit.
"Korea and Bangladesh had the same per capita GDP in 1972. Where is Korea today, and where is Bangladesh? Vietnam and Bangladesh had similar per capita GDP around 20 years ago. Where is Vietnam today?" he asked.
Dr Rahman pointed out a severe disconnect in the education sector, specifically citing the frustrations regarding the National University.
"We are producing quantity, but not quality," he said.
"We are actually doing a disservice to those numbers because most of them are unemployed," he added.
He argued that the country is faltering on standards and quality, noting that systemic problems are widespread – from traffic congestion to institutional lethargy.
Dr Rahman called for a shift in mindset, urging professionals to take the lead in national development.
"The professionals really have not had their moment in Bangladesh," he said.
"Entrepreneurs have had their moment to some extent. But professionals are a very important driver of the type of change we want Bangladesh to experience."
Commending ICMAB for bridging the gap between academia and the professional world, Dr Rahman advocated for "demystifying research."
He said that research should not be a wall between experts and the public but should be drawn from "lived experience."
"We have to inject quality, professionalism, and standards into our trying. No one else is going to help achieve the Bangladesh that we want for us. We have to achieve it ourselves," he added.
The event was attended by National University Vice-Chancellor ASM Amanullah, North South University Vice-Chancellor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Financial Reporting Council (FRC) Chairman Md Sajjad Hossain Bhuiyan, ICMAB president Mahtab Uddin Ahmed and distinguished professionals and researchers.
