Bangladeshs Graduation from the Least Developed Countries Group
Since the group of least developed countries (LDCs) was identified in 1971, only five countries have graduated from the group, all of which are characterised by small size or population. The projections are that the next decade will see a rapid increase in the pace of graduation, with Bangladesh in particular poised to be one of the largest countries, in terms of its economy and population, yet to leave the group. While previously many LDCs viewed the prospect of graduation with some apprehension, fearing significant erosion of international support, increasingly, the move is being seen as a more positive landmark. This book aims to articulate appropriate strategies and initiatives to help Bangladesh to maintain its developmental momentum and to prepare for a sustainable graduation in 2024. In doing so, the book explores themes such as key analytical issues of the LDC graduation paradigm, smooth transition and structural transformation, and post-graduation challenges and opportunities.
Further, against the backdrop of Gross National Income per capita, the Human Assets Index and Economic Vulnerability Index goals required for graduation, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the 2030 Agenda will also be in the process of implementation. Whilst some feel that the two agendas might be in conflict, the book teases out some of the important synergies which can be drawn when LDCs are undertaking the journey of graduation in the era of the SDGs. The book also takes into cognisance the uncertain external environment and the emerging global scenario within which Bangladeshs graduation is to take place. Conceptual discourse around LDC graduation and the particular narrative around Bangladeshs journey towards LDC graduation will be of interest not only to scholars of Bangladesh, but also to researchers and policymakers with an interest in LDC graduation for other countries facing similar challenges.
Debapriya Bhattacharya is a Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is a former Bangladesh Ambassador to WTO and UN Offices in Geneva and Vienna, Coordinator of LDC Group in the UN system and Special Advisor on LDCs to Secretary General, UNCTAD. He also chairs LDC IV Monitor an international partnership providing independent assessment of the delivery of the Istanbul Programme of Action (IPoA) for the LDCs.
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Bangladeshs Graduation from the Least Developed Countries Group
Pitfalls and Promises
Edited by Debapriya Bhattacharya
Bangladeshs Graduation from the Least Developed Countries Group
Pitfalls and Promises
Edited by Debapriya Bhattacharya
First published 2019
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Contents
Akashlina Arno is currently a PhD Candidate at the School of Economics of the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. She is a former Research Associate at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Estiaque Bari is a Lecturer at the Department of Economics at the East West University, Bangladesh and a former Senior Research Associate at CPD. His research interests span the broad spectrum of development challenges facing Bangladesh. His current works include the study of the dynamics of Bangladeshs macroeconomic performance, trade competitiveness, the labour market of Bangladesh, and agricultural economics. He completed his Master of Science in Economics from United International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Debapriya Bhattacharya, PhD, is a macroeconomist and public policy analyst. Currently he is the chair of two global initiatives, namely, Southern Voice on Post-MDG International Development Goals and LDC IV Monitor. He is a Distinguished Fellow at CPD, where he had been earlier the Executive Director. He is a former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the WTO and UN Offices of Geneva and Vienna. He has published extensively on trade, investment and finance related issues of LDCs and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He received his PhD in Economics from the Plekhanov Institute of National Economy, Moscow. His most recent edited book is Southern Perspectives on the Post-2015 International Development Agenda, Routledge (2017).
Muntaseer Kamal is an aspiring economist and currently working as a Research Associate at CPD. His primary research interests are in the areas of macroeconomics and development economics, with particular focus on Bangladeshs development. His other areas of interest include international economics, natural resources, energy economics and ICT issues. Prior to joining CPD, he received Bachelor and Master degrees in Economics from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Towfiqul Islam Khan is an economist and a Senior Research Fellow at CPD. He has published several articles on least developed countries (LDCs), SDGs and economic development. He has been member of a number of technical committees set up by Bangladesh government agencies including being part of the SDG Working Team constituted under the Prime Ministers Office. He received the Australian Leadership Award in 2008 to undertake his post-graduation academic degree at University of Melbourne, Australia.
Sarah Sabin Khan is a Senior Research Associate at CPD. Prior to joining CPD, she had worked with a foreign aid supported market development project and at a consultancy firm specialising in power sector development. Her current research interests include international development cooperation, development economics and empirical microeconometrics. She has a Master of Arts degree in Economics from McGill University, Canada.
