The seminar on "Recent Trends in Global Development and Their Relevance for Development

Studies in Bangladesh" aims to explore the impact of global development trends on

Bangladesh, particularly in the context of development project formulation. The discussion is
structured into five sections. The first two sections delve into global development trends and
philosophies and Bangladesh's response to them. The policy and philosophical underpinnings
of contemporary development trends in Bangladesh are examined to provide a backdrop for the
subsequent section, which highlights key areas for development project formulation in the post-
pandemic era. These areas include strengthening the public health sector, revitalizing the
education sector, addressing the informal economy, inflation, and promoting decent
employment. Additionally, cross-cutting agendas such as climate sensitivity, disaster resilience,
digitalization/ICT-based development, and inclusive governance are suggested. The essay
emphasizes the importance of respecting human rights, cultural diversity, and the role of culture
as a catalyst for development, with far-reaching social, economic, and environmental impacts in
the community.
The Global Development Trends and Philosophies:

Global and country Development Trend" continued Attempt to Reconcile:

Bangladesh has consistently aligned its strategic plans with global development trends. These
trends include the influence of the Modernization School in the 1950s and 60s, redistribution
and basic needs approach in the 1970s, the rise of new-liberalism in the 1990s, and the focus
on human and sustainable development from the 1990s onwards. Poverty alleviation, good
governance, democracy, and environmental sustainability became key issues in the 2000s,
along with the adoption of Millennium Development Goals and later Sustainable Development
Goals as guiding principles.
Bangladesh's Response to the Globe:
In the 1970s, Bangladesh adopted a combination of Modernization, Redistribution, and Basic
Needs approach in its economic perspective, as seen in the First Five Year Plan. In the 1980s,
there was a shift towards a neoclassical economic approach with privatisation, market-
controlled economy, and export orientation. In the 1990s, the country focused on trade
liberalisation and global market integration through the WTO, while also prioritising poverty
alleviation, employment generation, universal primary education, and rural development in its
development plans

The Policy and Philosophical Basis of Contemporary Development Trends in Bangladesh:

Bangladesh's national policy, SAARC Development Goals, and Post-2015 Agenda align
with sustainable development. They prioritize eradicating poverty, ensuring livelihoods,
health, education, and environmental sustainability, including gender equity, pro-poor
growth, and climate resilience.

Bangladesh's Post-2015 Agenda includes 13 goals for inclusive economic growth,

poverty reduction, food security, gender equity, education, natural resource
management, disaster resilience, clean energy, accountable governance, and
marginalized group empowerment, promoting justice, human rights, and sustainable
development.
Bangladesh environment and climate resillent sustainable Development vision 2021.

Transforming aspirations into tangible achievements by translating plans into action in

2021.

The latest development policies and strategies have been shaped by the significant
impacts of COVID-19, including substantial losses in GDP, exports, investments, and
tax revenues. The healthcare system is being overhauled in the Strategic Five-Year
Plan (SFYP) to strengthen facilities, access, and quality healthcare staff, addressing
major gaps and improving the overall healthcare system

The government's Vision 2041 builds upon the Digital Bangladesh Vision 2021, striving
to achieve the development envisioned by Bangabandhu. Its goals include eradicating
extreme poverty, attaining High-Income Country status, and promoting shared
prosperity. Institutions such as a functioning judiciary, citizen-centric civil administration,
efficient land management, and sustainable resource utilization are vital for achieving
these objectives

Due to its deltaic formation, river configuration, and climate change, Bangladesh is
ranked as the 5th most vulnerable country to natural hazards globally. Regular
occurrences of tidal surges, salinity, flooding, river erosion, and cyclones pose
significant challenges to food security and livelihoods, particularly in rural areas. The
rising sea levels also pose a threat to coastal regions, potentially displacing millions of
people. Additionally, the combination of sea-level rise and reduced freshwater flow in
rivers in the Southwest is causing agricultural and freshwater supply issues.

Some Clues on Research and practice of Development Studies and management in

Bangladesh:
1. Sustainable development is a priority in Bangladesh, aligned with the SDGs.
Policies and plans emphasize sustainability, including the protection of the
environment and biodiversity. Immediate priorities involve addressing climate
change, disaster reduction, and transitioning to low-carbon technologies.
2. Social development and inclusive governance are crucial, focusing on reducing
population growth, child mortality, and malnutrition. Access to quality education,
healthcare, and basic services is prioritized. Efforts extend to secondary and
tertiary education, aiming for inclusivity and qualitative improvements. Women,
youth, children, and marginalized groups are given priority, ensuring equal rights
and removing barriers.
3. Access, rights, citizen participation, transparency, and accountability are
emphasized in public institutions. Improving local governance, natural resource
management, and human rights promotion are key. Enabling policies aim to
provide effective social development and affordable services, particularly for
disadvantaged groups.
4. Addressing inequality, poverty, and exclusion is vital. Gender and income
inequalities, misuse of power, and exclusion from civil rights are focal points.
Effective strategies are necessary to tackle these complex issues, considering
 diverse dimensions like racism and office politics. Proposals should focus on
creating a fair and inclusive society

Climate sensitivity and disaster resilience is a cross-cutting agenda in Bangladesh,

prioritized in various policies and plans. Emphasis is placed on increasing resilience to
natural disasters, addressing climate change, and achieving sustainable development.
Policies such as the Renewable Energy Policy focus on environmentally friendly energy
sources, while the Industry Policy emphasizes industrial waste management and
environmental conservation. Agriculture policies prioritize innovation of resilient crop
species. Digitization and ICT-based development are recognized as drivers of progress,
leveraging knowledge, technology, and innovation for economic growth, environmental
sustainability, food security, healthcare, and other public policies. Knowledge-intensive
skills are essential for productivity, job creation, and competitiveness. Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) will be instrumental in inclusive governance and
enhancing people's capabilities for development across different sectors and regions
Culture will play a significant role in driving economic and environmental impacts. Cultural
heritage, cultural industries, and cultural tourism not only contribute to job creation and
economic growth but also provide opportunities for social inclusiveness and influence values
related to environmental conservation, social health, human rights, diversity, and sustainability.
Cultural aspects serve as strategic tools for promoting greater social cohesion and shaping
attitudes towards environmental management. By recognizing and valuing cultural diversity,
society can foster a deeper understanding of sustainable practices and promote a harmonious
relationship between people and the environment