Staff Reporter :
A bold new strategic framework envisions Bangladesh transforming into an upper-middle-income country by 2050, with diversified, innovation-led industries, a high standard of living, and deep integration into global value chains. The vision, laid out in the recently released “Bangladesh 2050” brief by international growth advisory firm DinarStandard, outlines a data-driven, three-phased plan aimed at unlocking the nation’s socio-economic potential.
The report highlights Bangladesh’s unique demographic advantage – half its population is under 25 – and its strategic geographic location linking South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Bay of Bengal. However, it warns that without a whole-of-economy approach, these advantages may go unrealized.
The brief presents a candid assessment of Bangladesh’s current socio-economic context. Despite progress, the country ranks 129th in the Human Development Index. Around 30 per cent of its youth remain disconnected from employment, education, or training (NEET), while healthcare and education systems lag regional peers.
Industrially, the economy remains heavily reliant on low-value garment exports, making it vulnerable to global price fluctuations. Governance indicators, such as regulatory efficiency and corruption control, place Bangladesh in the lower half globally, discouraging both domestic and foreign investment.
The vision sets out five interlinked aspiration pillars, each with measurable 2050 targets. They are citizens, industry, government, ecosystem and global connectivity.
The goal is to raise per-capita income to $15,000, reduce poverty to below 5 per cent, achieve a 95 per cent literacy rate, and ensure universal access to healthcare, fostering inclusive and equitable human development.
The plan aims to increase the industrial sector’s share of GDP to 40 per cent, reach $500 billion in annual exports, and enable 80 per cent of manufacturers to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies, promoting a diversified and innovation-driven economy.
Bangladesh seeks to rank among the top 30 globally in ease of doing business, keep public debt below 30 per cent of GDP, and make significant strides in improving corruption perception, thereby enhancing governance and investor confidence.
Targets include achieving 70 per cent renewable energy usage, ensuring 100 per cent urban and 90 per cent rural broadband internet coverage, maintaining a doctor-to-population ratio of 1:500, and fostering an entrepreneurial environment with over 10,000 active start-ups.
The vision includes signing more than 20 trade agreements and securing top-10 global exporter status in ICT, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and renewables, integrating Bangladesh into global value chains and expanding its international economic footprint.
The transformation strategy is divided into three phases. Phase 1 is Foundations (2025-2030) for establishment of a central programme management office, enabling legislation for economic zones and digital governance, and a nationwide campaign to build public support and attract foreign investment.
Phase 2 is Acceleration (2031-2040) for Heavy investment in high-value sectors like green chemicals and medical devices, expansion of fiber-optic internet, and renewable energy infrastructure, with targeted efforts to bring in global R&D leaders. Phase 3 is Leadership (2041-2050) for Bangladesh aims to position itself as a global knowledge economy leader, reach net-zero in industrial clusters, and assert influence in regional trade and climate governance.
To oversee implementation, seven cross-cutting councils will report to a central PMO under the Prime Minister’s Office. These include councils for Policy Reform, Ease of Business, Education Evolution, Economic Policy, National Culture, the Bangladesh 2050 Hub, and a Global Brand Council.
Analysts view the initiative as a timely and necessary roadmap for navigating future challenges and capitalizing on the country’s demographic and geographic strengths. However, they caution that success will hinge on political commitment, institutional reform, and robust citizen engagement over the next 25 years.
If executed with discipline, experts say Bangladesh could emerge not just as an upper-middle-income country – but as a regional economic powerhouse.
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