The Phenomenal Rise of Bangladesh: A Journey Through Time and Progress

Bangladesh, a South Asian nation of 200 million people, has undergone an astonishing transformation in the last 30-40 years. This land, once weighed down by genocide and political instability, has emerged as a thriving hub of trade and industry. The incredibly hard work of its people has enabled Bangladesh to become a major exporter of garments, rice, tea, and other goods, while also gearing up to become a force in the technology sector. This article chronicles the astounding progress of Bangladesh, its future opportunities, and my personal experiences during a recent visit to the country.

In 1971 Bangladesh (then known as East Pakistan) suffered a brutal genocide at the hands of West Pakistan. Millions were killed in systematic purges designed to cleanse the population of political undesirables. The hatred of some politically and power-hungry people who started this massacre thought they would be victorious by carrying out this heinous act; they have power. However, what these genocidal maniacs failed to see was that it wasn’t about how many bullets you had or how strong your military force was: it was about what kind of spirit dwelled inside each person’s heart. This is why so many sacrifices were made by each Bangladeshi who refused to surrender against oppression no matter the price. Every hero fighting for freedom gave his life, believing he was protecting his beloved homeland.:  This is what finally defeated the brutal Pakistani army.

The late 1960s and early 1970s saw Bangladesh, then known as East Pakistan, undergo a harrowing period of violence. The Pakistani military unleashed a bloody crackdown in 1971, leading to mass destruction and the loss of millions of lives. Finally, after an immense struggle, Bangladesh gained independence in December 1971.

Following independence, Bangladesh faced an immense task: rebuilding the nation from the ruins of war. As a fledgling state, they had to contend with extreme poverty, political insecurity, and the challenge of helping displaced citizens.

My Journey to Bangladesh

Last week I was fortunate enough to visit Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. During my stay, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible progress this tiny nation, with 169 million, has made in the past few decades. It is almost 1/66th size as per land mass of the USA and 1/2 of the USA population. To put things in perspective.

It was a lesson in history for me. I never knew this horrible history. My respect for the nation-builder and average citizen has increased by multiple folds. The indomitable spirit of the Bangladeshi people allowed them to rebuild their lives slowly and lay the groundwork for a brighter future.

The bustling streets of Dhaka were filled with people going about their daily lives and business activities. Seeing how far the city had come since its days of political instability and economic ruin was terrific. Instead of dilapidated buildings, luxurious shopping malls, state-of-the-art hotels, and modern transportation systems were now in place.

The people I met during my stay were some of the friendliest and most optimistic people I have ever encountered. Everyone seemed eager to share their vision for the future of Bangladesh and their plans for growth and development.

I also visited some industrial sites helping Bangladesh become a significant export hub in South Asia. Everywhere I went, I saw a spirit of hard work that was inspiring and uplifting. The people here have not forgotten their past struggles but instead use them as motivation for a better future. Bangladesh is well on its way to becoming a significant force in global affairs. With its abundant natural resources, strategic location, and vibrant population, it has excellent potential to become an even more powerful player in international markets and diplomacy in the years to come.

Bangladesh is a rapidly developing economy, with an average annual growth rate of 6.5 percent between 2001 and 2010. According to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook table, the country’s GDP is expected to grow 5.58 percent over the next four years, which projects that Bangladesh’s per capita income will increase from $1,785 in 2016 to $2191 in 2022. However, obvious risks are associated with rapid development, ranging from environmental degradation to increased incidences of natural disasters during this process.

Bangladesh is full of potential for growth as it enters its next phase of modernization. Each sector has tremendous growth potential; healthcare is ripe with opportunities. The nation requires thousands of dialysis centers to adequately provide renal care for growing numbers of patients worldwide, presenting an investment opportunity. The government also recently introduced a universal health insurance program to cover all members of society, expanding the healthcare industry even further. With these changes come new opportunities for foreign and local investors to capitalize on Bangladesh’s projected long-term healthcare needs.

The texture of Bangladesh is a fertile ground barraged by rivers dotted with lush forests and fertile fields. The story of Bangladesh’s rise from tragedy to triumph is a testament to the power of ambition, determination, and resilience of its people. As the nation continues to evolve and embrace new opportunities, Bangladesh is well on its way to becoming a shining example of progress and prosperity in the region and beyond.

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to Anil Kejriwal, my longtime friend, and mentor, who made the fantastic opportunities on this trip possible by creating these invaluable connections for me. I met top industrialists, government officials, startups, and many more, all because of him.

My Key Takeaways

1. Resilience and determination: Despite a tumultuous history marked by genocide and political instability, the Bangladeshi people have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, allowing their nation to emerge as a significant global player in various sectors.
2. Economic diversification: Bangladesh has successfully diversified its economy, becoming a significant exporter of garments, rice, tea, and other goods, while also preparing to make significant strides in the technology sector, thereby ensuring a more stable and sustainable growth trajectory.
3. Future opportunities: Bangladesh presents numerous opportunities for growth and investment across various sectors, such as healthcare, manufacturing, smart buildings, and modernization, which can contribute to the nation’s continued development and progress.
4. The power of ambition and vision: Bangladesh’s remarkable transformation serves as a testament to the power of ambition, vision, and hard work, both on the part of its citizens and its leaders, who have been instrumental in driving the nation towards a brighter, more prosperous future.