Bangladesh lags behind in 4 indicators: ADB

Asian Development Bank has found Bangladesh to be lagging behind in education, ICT, innovation and knowledge economy compared to most of South Asian and Pacific nations.

An ADB research conducted in 28 countries showed that Bangladesh ranked from 23 to 27 in these four indicators.

ADB Vice President Bindu N Lohani presented the report to Finance Minister AMA Muhith on Wednesday.

According to the report, Bangladesh ranks 25th among the 28 nations. Nepal, Cambodia and Pakistan come behind.

In education Bangladesh scored 1.75 on a scale of 10, while South Asia’s average score was 4.66.

In ICT, Bangladesh ranks 23rd in South Asia, followed by Cambodia and Myanmar. South Asia has an average score of 4.28 in this sector, while Bangladesh has 1.01.

Bangladesh is ranked 27th in innovation and knowledge economy, followed by Myanmar.

After receiving the report, the finance minister told reporters that the ADB vice president had told him Bangladesh was making quick progress in these indicators.

He said he believed the country was lagging behind because some of the development had not taken place in time.

“For 21 years, our economy grew at a meagre 4 percent. We have wasted a lot of time,” he said.

“By 2021 Bangladesh will be a lot more advanced,” he said.

“We’re a least developed country now. Hopefully soon we’ll become a middle-income country.”

“If we emphasise ICT we will advance rapidly. We’re lagging behind in education,” Muhith said.

“Our primary enrolment rate is almost 100 percent, but secondary school enrolment is lower. We have to reduce the dropout rate,” the minister said.

He said ADB was working on various projects in these sectors and was interested to increase their involvement.