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Concept of DEVELOPMENT

Development is not purely an economic phenomenon but rather a multi-


dimensional process involving the reorganization and reorientation of the entire
economic and social system. Development is the process of improving the
quality of all human lives.
From a traditional economic view, development is seen as an economic
phenomenon in which rapid gains in overall growth would trickle down to the
masses in the form of jobs and other economic opportunities.
From a new economic view, development is the reduction or elimination of
poverty, inequality, and unemployment within the context of a growing economy.
It focuses on the development of people rather than the development of things. The
challenge of development is to improve the quality of life. Especially in the world's
poor countries. So development means less poverty, a cleaner environment, more
equal opportunity, greater individual freedom, and a richer cultural life.
Development is a process that creates growth, progress, and positive change in
economic, environmental, social, and demographic components without damaging
the resources of the environment.

### Sure, here is an essay justifying the statement "crime is a by-product of


economic development" with examples from Bangladesh:
Crime as a By-product of Economic Development: Evidence from Bangladesh
Economic development is often seen as a panacea for societal ills, leading to
improved living standards, reduced poverty, and increased opportunities.
However, economic growth can also bring with it a rise in criminal activity, a
phenomenon that has been observed in various countries, including Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has experienced significant economic growth in recent decades, with
its GDP per capita increasing by over 60% between 2010 and 2020. This growth
has been driven by factors such as the expansion of the garment manufacturing
industry, increased remittances from abroad, and investments in infrastructure.
Despite these positive economic developments, Bangladesh has also seen a rise in
crime rates. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, the number of
reported crimes increased by over 20% between 2015 and 2019. This increase has
been particularly pronounced in urban areas, where the rapid pace of development
has led to urbanization, inequality, and social dislocation.
There are several factors that contribute to the link between economic
development and crime. One factor is the increased availability of goods and
services, which can make it more attractive for individuals to engage in criminal
activity. Additionally, economic development can lead to increased inequality, as
certain groups benefit more from the growth than others. This inequality can create
resentment and frustration, which can fuel criminal activity.
Bangladesh provides several examples of how economic development has
contributed to crime. For instance, the garment manufacturing industry, a major
driver of economic growth in Bangladesh, has been linked to labor exploitation,
poor working conditions, and increased crime rates in the vicinity of garment
factories.
Another example is the influx of people to urban areas in search of employment
opportunities. This rapid urbanization has led to overcrowded slums, inadequate
infrastructure, and a lack of social support systems, creating an environment
conducive to criminal activity.
Moreover, the rise in income levels has led to an increase in the demand for luxury
goods, which has fueled theft, robbery, and other property crimes. Additionally,
the expansion of the financial sector has made it easier for criminals to access
funds, making crimes such as fraud and embezzlement more prevalent.
While economic development can bring about positive changes, it is crucial to
acknowledge and address the potential negative consequences, including the rise
in crime rates. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that
includes:
 Promoting inclusive and equitable growth to ensure that the benefits of
development are shared more widely and that marginalized groups are not
left behind.
 Investing in education and skills training to provide individuals with the
opportunities they need to participate in the formal economy and reduce their
reliance on criminal activity.
 Strengthening law enforcement and criminal justice systems to effectively
deter, investigate, and prosecute criminal offenses.
 Promoting social cohesion and community development to create a
supportive environment that reduces the likelihood of individuals turning to
crime.
 Addressing the root causes of crime such as poverty, inequality, and social
exclusion through comprehensive social development policies.
By acknowledging the complex relationship between economic development and
crime and implementing proactive measures, Bangladesh can mitigate the negative
impacts of crime and harness the benefits of economic growth to create a more just
and secure society.

### Indicators of Development


Different countries have different priorities in their development policies.
There are seven indicators of development. Indicators measuring this achievement
could then be used to judge countries' relative progress in development such as:
 Increasing national wealth;
 Improving the well-being (nutrition, education, health, and wealth) of the
majority of the population;
 Ensuring people's freedom;
 Increasing their social and economic security.
But, indicators of only wealth, which reflect the quantity of resources available to
a society, do not provide sufficient information about the allocation and
consumption of the resources - whether equitable or not in terms of their
distribution among different social groups; the shares of resources used to provide
free health and educational services to them; and the effects of production and
consumption on people's environment; and so on. Thus, it is no wonder that
countries with similar average incomes can differ substantially when it comes to
people's quality of life; access to education and health care, employment
opportunities, availability of clean air and safe drinking water, the threat of crime,
and so on. There are mainly seven indicators of development.
i) GDP (gross domestic product) per capita.
ii) Life expectancy.
iii) Number of doctors per 100,000 population.
iv) Percent of population that are undernourished.
v) Percent of the population that has access to clean safe drinking water.
vi) Under 5 mortality rate.
vii) Adult literacy rate

### Core values of development


The current approach to development owes a great deal to the writings and views
of Noble Laureate Dr. Amartaya Sen. As Sen put it, ``Economic growth cannot be
sensibly treated as an end in itself. Development has to be more concerned with
enhancing the lives we lead and the freedoms we enjoy.” This new approach is
popularly known as Sen’s Capabilities Approach.
According to this approach, development is not just about increasing the
availability of commodities (the focus of the per-capita income approach) but
expanding the capabilities of individuals to use these commodities and enhancing
the freedom of choice of people. Higher income is important an element of one’s
well-being. But, well well-being of individuals also depends on their health,
education, geographical and social environment, and political system. There are
three core values of development:
(i) sustenance,
(ii) (ii) self-esteem, and
(iii) (iii) freedom.
Sustenance: Sustenance is the ability to meet basic needs of people. All people
have certain basic needs without which life would be impossible. These basic
needs include food, shelter, health, and protection. People should have access
to these basic needs.
Self-Esteem: A sense of worth and self-respect and a feeling of not being
marginalized are extremely important for an individual’s well-being. All
peoples and societies seek some form of self-esteem (identity, dignity, respect,
honor, etc.). The nature and form of self-esteem may vary from one culture to
another and from time to time. Self-esteem may be based on material values:
higher income or wealth may be equated with higher worthiness. One may
consider individuals worthy based on their intellect or public service.
Freedom from Servitude: Human freedom, the ability to choose, is essential
for the well-being of individuals. Freedom involves an expanded range of
choices for societies: economic and political. It involves freedom from bondage,
serfdom, and other exploitative economic, social, and political relationships.

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