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Overview

Bangladesh has a strong track record of growth and development, even in times of elevated global uncertainty.  A robust demographic dividend, strong ready-made garment (RMG) exports, resilient remittance inflows, and stable macroeconomic conditions have supported rapid economic growth over the past two decades. 

Bangladesh tells a remarkable story of poverty reduction and development. From being one of the poorest nations at birth in 1971, Bangladesh reached lower-middle income status in 2015. It is on track to graduate from the UN’s Least Developed Countries (LDC) list in 2026. Poverty declined from 11.8 percent in 2010 to 5.0 percent in 2022, based on the international poverty line of $2.15 a day (using 2017 Purchasing Power Parity exchange rate). Moreover, human development outcomes improved along many dimensions.


Challenges

Despite these gains, inequality has slightly narrowed in rural areas and widened in urban areas. The country did make a rapid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic supported by prudent macroeconomic policies with estimated GDP growth of 6.0 percent in FY23. However, the economy faces considerable challenges with rising inflationary pressure, energy shortages, a balance-of-payments deficit, and a revenue shortfall. While the trade deficit narrowed in FY23, a contraction in financial account deficit resulted in a Balance of Payments (BoP) deficit and a decline in foreign exchange reserves.

Real GDP growth is expected to slow in FY24 as ongoing import suppression measures disrupt economic activity. Growth is expected to re-accelerate over the medium term, as inflationary pressure eases, external conditions improve, and reform implementation gains momentum. Over the medium term, the balance of payments is projected to return to a surplus as financial inflows recover and remittance inflows rise, supported by strong demand for workers in the Gulf region.

To achieve its vision of attaining upper middle-income status by 2031, Bangladesh needs to create jobs through a competitive business environment, increase human capital and build a skilled labor force, build efficient infrastructure, and establish a policy environment that attracts private investment.

Development priorities include diversifying exports beyond the RMG sector; resolving financial sector vulnerabilities; making urbanization more sustainable and strengthening public institutions, including fiscal reforms to generate more domestic revenue for development. Addressing infrastructure gaps would accelerate growth. Addressing vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters will help Bangladesh to continue to build resilience to future shocks. Pivoting towards green growth would support the sustainability of development outcomes for the next generation.

Last Updated: Oct 04, 2023

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disadvantaged children in Bangladesh have been brought back to school

LENDING

Bangladesh: Commitments by Fiscal Year (in millions of dollars)*

*Amounts include IBRD and IDA commitments

MULTIMEDIA

The World Bank
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World Bank CEO Visits School of Joy

Additional Resources

Country Office Contacts

Plot E 32
Sher-e-Bangla Nagar,
Agargaon, Dhaka 1207,
Bangladesh
(880-2) 5566-7777