Eminent economist Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya has said that economic growth has failed to bring about parallel transformation in the social and political spheres. According to him, marginalized communities continue to be excluded from the benefits of growth due to unemployment, inequality, and institutional discrimination.
Poverty Scenario
Speaking at a discussion program on Thursday (November 12), Dr. Debapriya revealed that 3.5 crore people in the country currently live below the poverty line. Additionally, another 2 crore people remain vulnerable to poverty and could slip below the poverty line in the event of any economic shock.Limitations of Growth
The economist stated that while Bangladesh has achieved remarkable economic growth in recent years, this growth has not translated into positive changes in the social and political structures. He remarked that unemployment, inequality, and institutional discrimination continue to exclude disadvantaged communities from the mainstream of development.Need for Inclusive Development
Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya emphasized that sustainable development requires more than just economic growth; inclusive transformation in society and politics is equally essential. He cautioned that as long as the benefits of growth do not reach people from all classes, the country's overall progress will remain incomplete.Analysts believe that alongside economic growth, strengthening the social safety net framework and eliminating inequality through institutional reforms are crucial. Otherwise, the positive impacts of growth will not reach the country's marginalized populations.
