1. Term Paper on
BANGLADESH ISSUES
PROGRESS & PROSPECTS OF BANGLADESH
Md. Alamgir Hossen
Statistical Officer
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics
Statistics and Informatics Division
Ministry of Planning
Email: alamgir.so@bbs.gov.bd
August 19, 2010
Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre
Savar, Dhaka
[1]

2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I whole heartedly express my pleasure and satisfaction to acknowledge the course
management of 46th Foundation Training Course of BPATC, Savar, Dhaka to integrate a
‘Term Paper’ in the training Course Module and give me an opportunity to do a research-
based work.
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Mrs. Kanka Jamil, Course
Director and especially to Md. Fazle Rabbi, Deputy Director and Module Director of
Module ‘Term Paper on Bangladesh Issues’ for his valuable supervision and guidance in
all phases of the study.
This acknowledgment would be uncompleted without paying thanks to Mr. ASM
Obaidullah, one of the Course Coordinator of 46th Foundation Training Course for his
whole-hearted Guidance and kind co-operation in all aspects.
I also express my profound gratitude to Mr. Md. Golam Mehede, Mrs. Nurunnahar, Mrs.
Munira Sultana, and Mr. M. Rezaul Karim Course Coordinators of 46th Foundation
Training Course for their valuable guidance and advice in all phases of the research work.
I also appreciate and recognize all cooperation and support provided by the other faculty
members, librarian and all other staffs of the centre.
[I]

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Millennium Development Goals are backed by a political consent agreed to by the leaders
of all UN member states in 2000. They offer a comprehensive and multidimensional
development framework and set clear quantifiable targets to be achieved by 2015.
Meeting the Goals involve a significant reorientation of development policies to focus on
various aspects of growth, including those associated with the implementation process.
This report describes in general the background of the Millennium Declaration and
emphasis of progress and prospects in achieving the MDG. In relation to the MDG targets
such as reduction of infant mortality and child mortality, expansion of primary and
secondary education, reduction in many aspects of gender disparity, eradication of hunger
and environmental sustainability, Bangladesh has done well comparing the situation in
the year 1990 with the year 2009. Apart from these achievements, the areas in need of
attention are poverty reduction and employment generation, increases in the primary
school completion rate and adult literacy rate, creation of more wage employment for
women, reduction of the maternal mortality ratio and increase in the presence of skilled
health professionals at delivery, increase in correct and comprehensive knowledge of
HIV/AIDS, increase in forest coverage, and coverage of Information and Communication
Technology. The present government has been taking interventions to promote ICT
among all spheres of people, including the population in hard-to-reach areas, in order to
fulfill the government vision of a ‘Digital Bangladesh’ by 2021. Developed countries
should come forward and assist the least developed countries in exploiting potentials of
international trade and should fulfill their obligation as signatories to the MDGs.
[II]

4. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements................................................................................................... I
Executive Summary.................................................................................................. II
Table of Contents...................................................................................................... III
List of Figures............................................................................................................ IV
List of Tables............................................................................................................... V
I. Introduction........................................................................................................... 01
1.1 Background of the Study................................................................................... 01
1.2 Objective of the Study ...................................................................................... 01
1.3 Scope of the Study............................................................................................. 01
1.4 Methodology of the Study ................................................................................ 01
1.5 Limitations of the Study ................................................................................. 01
II. MDGs in Bangladesh: Progress at a Glance...................................................... 02
2.1 Goal 1: Eradicate Poverty and Hunger.............................................................. 02
2.2 Goal 2: Achieve Universal Primary Education ................................................ 03
2.3 Goal 3: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women ............................... 04
2.4 Goal 4: Reduce Child Mortality ....................................................................... 05
2.5 Goal 5: Improve Maternal Health .................................................................... 06
2.6 Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases ............................... 07
2.7 Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability .................................................. 08
2.8 Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development ................................. 10
III. Prospect of achieving MDG in Bangladesh by 2015....................................... 11
IV. Conclusions......................................................................................................... 12
V. Recommendations................................................................................................ 13
VI. Appendices.......................................................................................................... 14
VII. References List.................................................................................................. 18
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5. LIST OF FIGURES
Map 2.1: Population below the poverty line in the districts of Bangladesh, 2005..................... 02
Chart 2.1: Drop-out rate in primary school & Secondary School by gender and grade, 2009... 03
Chart 2.2: Gender parity index by area and education level, 2006 and 2009.............................. 04
Chart 2.3: Infant mortality rate and under-five mortality rate by area, 2009............................... 05
Chart 2.4: Assistance at delivery, 2009........................................................................................ 06
Chart 2.5: Any skilled attendant at delivery, 2006 and 2009....................................................... 06
Chart 2.6: Knowledge of HIV and AIDS among women aged 15-24, 2006 and 2009............... 07
Chart 2.7: Households using a tube well that are aware that their water source has been
tested for arsenic contamination, 2009........................................................................ 08
Chart 2.8: Trend in sanitation coverage 1990-2015...................................................................... 08
Map 2.2: Proportion of the population using a hygienic sanitation facility by district, 2009.... 09
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6. LIST OF TABLES
2.1 Progress and Estimation of Goal-1......................................................................................... 02
2.2 Progress and Estimation of Goal-2......................................................................................... 03
2.3 Progress and Estimation of Goal-3......................................................................................... 04
2.4 Progress and Estimation of Goal-4......................................................................................... 05
2.5 Progress and Estimation of Goal-5......................................................................................... 06
2.6 Progress and Estimation of Goal-6......................................................................................... 08
2.7 Progress and Estimation of Goal-7......................................................................................... 09
2.8 Progress and Estimation of Goal-8......................................................................................... 10
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7. I. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study:
The universal vision of improving the quality of life globally implanted in eight thrust
areas was decoded into the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and mandated by the
United Nations (UN) in September 2000. Bangladesh as a member state has a
commitment to achieve the MDGs within the predetermined timeframe of 2015.
1.2 Objectives of the study:
The objectives of the study are-
 To find out to what extent MDGs are achieved.
 To evaluate the prospect of achieving MDGs by 2015.
1.3 Scope of the Study:
The study highlights the challenges for Bangladesh facing in achieving MDGs targets.
The targets are- Eradicate Extreme Poverty & Hunger, Achieve Universal Primary
Education, Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women, Reduce Child Mortality,
Improve Maternal Health, Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, Ensure
Environmental Sustainability and Develop a Global Partnership for Development.
1.4 Methodology of the Study:
The study contains the secondary data of the national level sample surveys collected from
the relevant secondary sources including various surveys and census data of BBS like
Household Income & Expenditure Survey-2005; Sample Vital Registration System-2008;
Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey-2009; Population Census-2001; Employment Survey-
2009; and Welfare Monitoring Survey-2009. These show the current status, baseline data,
estimated figures based on present trends and the targets by each indicator.
1.5 Limitations of the Study:
The study has been conducted using various secondary data produced by different
government organization. In many cases base line and updated data could not be found
for every indicator. For some indicators, different agencies used different definitions
which may misinterpret the comparison of data.
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8. II. MDGs IN BANGLADESH: PROGRESS AT A GLANCE
2.1. Goal 1: Eradicate Poverty and Hunger:
Three targets had been set for achieving the goal. The targets were-
 Halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people whose income is less
than one dollar a day.
 Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all, including
women and young people.
 Halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people who suffer from hunger.
 on Track,  will be achieved before 2015/already achieved,  Not achievable by 2015
Sources: Indicators 1, 2, 3 & 6 (HIES, 2005); Indicator 4 (Employment Survey, 2009); Indicator 5 (CNS, 2006)
There are large differences in
the rate of poverty reduction
in various areas of the
country. In some districts, a
remarkable decline in poverty
has been noticed, whereas in
comparatively a few others
poverty actually rose.
Map 2.1: Population below the poverty line in the districts
of Bangladesh, 2005.
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9. Source: HIES 2005, BBS.
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10. 2.2 Goal 2: Achieve Universal Primary Education:
To Achieve Goal 2, the following two goals have been set by 2015:
 Ensure that, by 2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to
complete a full course of primary schooling.
 Ensure that, by 2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to
complete a full course of primary schooling.
Universal primary school enrollment is one of the main education-related MDGs. The
goal is to ensure that the net primary enrollment rate rises to 100% by 2015, and that all
the students entering grade I are retained until grade V.
 on Track,  will be achieved before 2015/already achieved,  Not achievable by 2015
Sources: Indicators 1, 2, & 4 (MICS, 2009); Indicator 3 (Welfare Monitoring Survey, 2009).
Chart 2.1: Drop-out rate in primary school & Secondary School by gender and
grade, 2009. (MICS 2009).
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11. 2.3 Goal 3: Promote Gender Equality And Empower Women:
The Goal 3 is as follows:
 Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education, preferably by
2005, and in all levels of education no later than 2015.
Gender equality and women empowerment is a heart MDG. Its achievement is essential
for attaining the goal of poverty reduction.
Chart 2.2: Gender parity index by area and education level, 2006 and 2009. [MICS
2009].
Bangladesh could achieve good progress in the target of removing gender disparity in
primary schooling. At secondary level, remarkable numbers of girls are now enrolled.
Thus this goal can be said to have been already achieved.
 on Track,  will be achieved before 2015/already achieved,  Not achievable by 2015
Sources: Indicators 1& 2 (MICS, 2009); Indicator 3 Year book of BBS, 2009).
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12. 2.4 Goal 4: Reduce Child Mortality:
The Goal 4 is as follows:
 Reduce by two-thirds, between 1990 and 2015, the under-five mortality rate.
Child mortality is symbolized as a huge waste of human resources. Bangladesh has
completed significant progress in reducing the child mortality rate.
Chart 2.3: Infant mortality rate and under-five mortality rate by area, 2009. (MICS
2009)
 on Track,  will be achieved before 2015/already achieved,  Not achievable by 2015
Sources: Indicators 1& 2 (MICS, 2009); Indicator 3 MICS (2006)
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13. 2.5 Goal 5: Improve Maternal Health:
The Goal 5 is as follows:
 Reduce by three quarters, between 1990 and 2015, the maternal mortality ratio.
 Achieve, by 2015, universal access to reproductive health
Improving maternal health is an important MDG. Reproductive health care continues to
remain a main weakness of the health care system in Bangladesh.
Chart 2.4: Assistance at delivery, 2009. [MICS 2009].
Top priority needs to be given to reducing maternal malnutrition in the country. Poor
mothers should be given special concentration.
 on Track,  will be achieved before 2015/already achieved,  Not achievable by 2015
Sources: Indicators 1, SVRS (2008), 2 MICS, (2009).
Chart 2.5: Any skilled attendant at delivery, 2006 and 2009
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14. 2.6. MDG 6: Combating HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases:
The target under goal 6 states below:
 Have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS.
 Achieve, by 2010, universal access to treatment for HIV/AIDS for all those who
need it.
Health is a constitutionally accepted fundamental right of the people. It is also devoted to
achieving the MDG of combating HIV/AIDS and other killer diseases. Fortunately,
Bangladesh is in safe position still now.
Chart 2.6: Knowledge of HIV and AIDS among women aged 15-24, 2006 and 2009
[MICS 2009].
Proper concept is the first step toward raising awareness to protect people from
HIV/AIDS. Misconceptions regarding HIV are frequent and can mislead young
generation which may cause hamper prevention measures.
 on Track,  will be achieved before 2015/already achieved,  Not achievable by 2015
Sources: Indicators 1, SVRS (2008), Indicator 2 MICS, (2009), Indicator 3 DG Health.
[8]

15. 2.7. MDG 7: Environmental Sustainability:
The objectives under goal 7 are in below:
 Integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and
programs and reverse the loss of environmental resources.
 Halve, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe
drinking water and basic sanitation.
Chart 2.7: Households using a tube well that are aware that their water source has
been tested for arsenic contamination, 2009. [MICS 2009]
The more noticeable environmental problems are related with regenerative resources.
These comprise animal, bird, plant, fish, populations, land, water and air.
Chart 2.8: Trend in sanitation coverage 1990-2015 (MICS 2009)
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16.  on Track,  will be achieved before 2015/already achieved,  Not achievable by 2015
Sources: Indicators 1, (DoF), Indicator 2 & 3 MICS, (2009).
Map 2.2: Proportion of the population using a hygienic (GoB definition) sanitation
facility by district, 2009. (MICS 2009).
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17. 2.8. MDG 8: Developing A Global Partnership For Development:
The Targets under Goal 8 are as follows:
 Deal comprehensively with the debt problems of developing countries through
national and international measures in order to make debt sustainable in the long
term.
 In cooperation with the private sector, make available the benefits of new
technologies, especially information and communications.
Sources: Indicators 1, 2 & 3 (ERD), Indicator 4 & 5 Welfare Monitoring Survey (2009), Indicator 6 BTRC.
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18. III. PROSPECT OF ACHIEVING MDG IN BANGLADESH BY 2015
Bangladesh seems to be on track to achieve some of the UN millennium development
goals such as universal primary school enrollment and gender parity. A recent UNDP
report says that Bangladesh could be a role model for UNDP by showing that sustained
improvement in human development is possible even in poor countries at relatively
modest levels of income growth (UNDP, 2005).
Though Bangladesh could achieve some goals by this time, there are some constraints to
achieve the rest goals in time. It comprises institutional inability to effectively implement
policies and programmes; inefficiency and corruption; lack of transparency and
accountability; and, poor law and order conditions; limited domestic resources etc.
There is great dilemma in receiving foreign aid. The development partners give aid with
conditions which are not effective as well. Bangladesh met such problems all too often
with donors, including mutual lending agencies.
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19. IV. CONCLUSIONS
Bangladesh is at a crossroad when it comes to achieving the UN Millennium
Development Goals by 2015. Economic and social inequality is marked in form of
contradiction for accessing the basic needs, such as education, health, and water-
sanitation, and poor public expenditure on these essential services runs the risk of failing
to reach the MDGs by the 2015 deadline.
The overall development strategy of Bangladesh, outlined in the PRSP has been prepared
in light of reaching the MDGs. Improvement of the quality of life of the people occupies
the vital position of all eight MDG targets. Currently, the government of Bangladesh
spends more on external debt servicing than on health care. To finance the MDGs, every
year a staggering $7.5 billion in external budget support is needed which is almost four
times the amount of aid/loans currently provided by the international donor community.
However, Government has formed new 5 year development plan (2011-2015) to support
MDG. In this context, Geographic concentration is advised as a key poverty reduction
strategy when developing the five-year National Development Plan.
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20. V. RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendation can be made to accelerate timely achievement of MDG in
Bangladesh:
 Initiate and Implement Geographic Targeting of Basic Social Services to reduce
disparity in various areas.
 A Central MDG coordinating Cell should be established for working as link-pin.
 Accountability and Transparency should be ensured in every sector regarding
MDG.
 All level of civil servants should be trained up and take under an umbrella through
convergence approach for policy implementation.
 Building public awareness of hunger and the issues that surround it can provide
political leaders with the mandate and support they need to take action.
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21. VI. APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1
Millennium Development Goals, targets and indicators for monitoring progress:
Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.
Target 1: Halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people whose income is less
than one dollar a day.
Indicators:
1. Proportion of population below $1 (PPP) per day.
2. Poverty gap ratio [incidence x depth of poverty].
3. Share of poorest quintile in national consumption.
Target 2: Halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people who suffer from
hunger.
Indicators:
4. Prevalence of underweight children under-five years of age.
5. Proportion of population below minimum level of dietary energy consumption.
Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education.
Target 3:
Ensure that, by 2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete a
full course of primary schooling.
Indicators:
6. Net enrolment ratio in primary education.
7. Proportion of pupils starting grade 1 who reach grade 5.
8. Literacy rate of 15-24 year-olds.
Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women.
Target 4: Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education preferably by
2005 and to all levels of education no later than 2015.
Indicators:
9. Ratios of girls to boys in primary, secondary and tertiary education.
10. Ratio of literate females to males of 15-24 year-olds.
11. Share of women in wage employment in the non-agricultural sector.
12. Proportion of seats held by women in national parliament.
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22. Goal 4: Reduce child mortality.
Target 5: Reduce by two-thirds, between 1990 and 2015, the under-five mortality rate.
Indicators:
13. Under-five mortality rate.
14. Infant mortality rate.
15. Proportion of 1 year-old children immunized against measles.
Goal 5: Improve maternal health.
Target 6: Reduce by three-quarters, between 1990 and 2015, the maternal mortality ratio.
Indicators:
16. Maternal mortality ratio.
17. Proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel.
Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
Target 7: Have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Indicators:
18. HIV prevalence among 15-24 year old pregnant women.
19. Condom use rate of the contraceptive prevalence rate.
20. Number of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS
Target 8: Have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the incidence of malaria and other
major diseases.
Indicators:
21. Prevalence and death rates associated with malaria.
22. Proportion of population in malaria risk areas using effective malaria prevention
and treatment measures.
23. Prevalence and death rates associated with tuberculosis.
24. Proportion of tuberculosis cases detected and cured under directly observed
treatment short course (DOTS).
Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability.
Target 9: Integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and
programs and reverse the loss of environmental resources.
Indicators:
25. Proportion of land area covered by forest.
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23. 26. Ratio of area protected to maintain biological diversity to surface area.
27. Energy use (kg oil equivalent) per $1 GDP (PPP).
28. Carbon dioxide emissions (per capita) and consumption of ozone-depleting CFCs
(ODP tons).
29. Proportion of population using solid fuels.
Target 10: Halve, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe
drinking water.
Indicators:
30. Proportion of population with sustainable access to an improved water source,
urban and rural.
Target 11: By, 2020, to have achieved a significant improvement in the lives of at least
100 million slum dwellers.
Indicators:
31. Proportion of urban population with access to improved sanitation.
32. Proportion of households with access to secure tenure (owned or rented).
Goal 8: Develop a global partnership for development
Target 12: Develop further an open, rule-based, predictable, non-discriminatory trading
and financial system includes a commitment to good governance, development, and
poverty reduction – both nationally and internationally.
Target 13: Address the special needs of the least developed countries Includes: tariff and
quota free access for least developed countries' exports; enhanced program of debt
relief for HIPC and cancellation of official bilateral debt; and more generous ODA for
countries committed to poverty reduction.
Target 14: Address the special needs of landlocked countries and Small Island developing
States (through the Program of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small
Island Developing States and the outcome of the twenty-second special session of the
General Assembly).
Target 15: Deal comprehensively with the debt problems of developing countries through
national and international measures in order to make debt sustainable in the long term
Some of the indicators listed below are monitored separately for the least developed
countries (LDCs), Africa, landlocked countries and Small Island developing States.
Official development assistance.
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24. Indicators:
33. Net ODA, total and to LDCs, as percentage of OECD/DAC donors’ gross
national income.
34. Proportion of total bilateral, sector-allocable ODA of OECD/DAC donors to
basic social services (basic education, primary health care, nutrition, safe water
and sanitation).
35. Proportion of bilateral ODA of OECD/DAC donors that is untied.
36. ODA received in landlocked countries as proportion of their GNIs.
37. ODA received in Small Island developing States as proportion of their GNIs
Market access.
38. Proportion of total developed country imports (by value and excluding arms)
from developing countries and LDCs, admitted free of duties.
39. Average tariffs imposed by developed countries on agricultural products and
textiles and clothing from developing countries.
40. Agricultural support estimate for OECD countries as percentage of their GDP.
41. Proportion of ODA provided to help build trade capacity Debt sustainability.
42. Total number of countries that have reached their HIPC decision points and
number that have reached their HIPC completion points (cumulative).
43. Debt relief committed under HIPC initiative, US$.
44. Debt service as a percentage of exports of goods and services.
Target 16: In co-operation with developing countries, develop and implement strategies
for decent and productive work for youth
45. Unemployment rate of 15-24 year-olds, each sex and total.
Target 17: In co-operation with pharmaceutical companies, provide access to affordable,
essential drugs in developing countries.
46. Proportion of population with access to affordable essential drugs on a
sustainable basis.
Target 18: In co-operation with the private sector, make available the benefits of new
technologies, especially information and communications.
Indicators:
47. Telephone lines and cellular subscribers per 100 populations
48. Personal computers in use per 100 population and Internet users per 100
populations.
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25. VII. REFERENCES LIST
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. (2007). Report of the Household Income & Expenditure
Survey 2005.
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. (2009). Report on Sample Vital Registration System
2008.
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. (2009). Statistical Pocket Book of Bangladesh 2008.
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. Population Census 2001.
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. (2010). Report on Welfare Monitoring Survey 2009.
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. (2010). Technical Report on Multiple Indicator Cluster
Survey 2009.
Bangladesh Forest Department. (2007). National Forest and Tree Resources Assessment
2005-2007.
Malaria and Parasitic Disease Control Unit. (2008). Annual Report. Dhaka. DG Health.
General Economics Division. (2008). Millennium Development Goals: Bangladesh
Progress Report 2008. Dhaka. Planning Commission.
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. (2010). Preliminary Report on Progotir Pathey 2009.
UNICEF. (2010). A Case for Geographic Targeting of Basic Social Services to
Accelerate Poverty Reduction in Bangladesh.
Alam, Dr. M. (2006, September). Role and Effectiveness of Bangladesh Civil Service in
Achieving Millennium Development Goals. Retrieved August 15, 2010, from
http://www.undp.org.bd/projects/prodocs/DCSC/MDGs%20and%20Bangladesh
%20Civil%20Service.pdf
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. (2008). Millennium Development Goals Bangladesh:
Progress At A Glance. Retrieved August 12, 2010, from
http://www.bbs.gov.bd/dataindex/Millenium%20Development%20Goals.pdf
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