Public Disclosure AuthorizedPublic Disclosure AuthorizedPublic Disclosure AuthorizedPublic Disclosure AuthorizedWorld Bank Office DhakaPlot- E-32, Agargaon, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207BangladeshTel: 880-2-5566-7777Fax: 880-2-5566-7778www.worldbank.org/bangladeshStandard disclaimer:This volume is a product of the staff of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper do not necessarily reflect the views of the Executive Directors of the World Bank or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of the World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Copyright statement:The material in this publication is copyrighted. The World Bank encourages dissemination of its work and will normally grant permission to reproduce portion of the work promptly. Photo credit:Arne Hoel, Asiatic, Bangladesh Road Transport Authority, David Waldorf, Dhaka South City Corporation, Dominic Chavez, Forest Department, Habibul Haque, IDCOL, Ismail Ferdous, KM Asad, Mahfuzul Hasan Bhuiyan, Mehrin Ahmed Mahbub, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Mohammad Shahedal-Kaium, Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation, Shehab Uddin, Shutterstock, Suman Paul, Tanvir Murad Topu, Tapash Paul, Team IPGM/ Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited, UNFPA, UNICEFPrinted by Progressive Printers Pvt. Ltd.The World Bank1818 H Street, NW Washington, DC 20433USATel: 1-202-473-1000Fax: 1-207-477-6391www.worldbank.orgFOREWORDOver the past 50 years, Bangladesh has made remarkable development progress that have garnered global attention. It is a story of resilience, determination, and a shared commitment to reducing poverty and fostering shared prosperity. In just four decades, Bangladesh has transformed itself from being one of the poorest nations at independence to turning into a lower-middle-income country. This journey stands as an inspiration to nations around the world.Early on, Bangladesh took decisions to empower women, as demonstrated by achieving gender parity in school enrollment. Today, over 97 percent of children in Bangladesh enrolls in primary school. At the same time, Bangladesh has reduced maternal and child mortality significantly. Being severely affected by the impacts of climate change, the country has demonstrated its resilience and leadership in adaptation and disaster preparedness. The country has modernized its agriculture sector to improve productivity to feed a large population and cope up with climate challenges. Private Sector growth contributed to sustained growth and job creation. Bangladesh is the second largest exporters of ready-made garments...
