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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 41.9 percent in 1991 to 13.5 percent in 2016, 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

Bangladesh made a rapid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic supported by prudent macroeconomic policies. But, the economy now faces considerable challenges with global economic uncertainty, rising inflationary pressure, energy shortages, a balance-of-payments deficit, and a revenue shortfall. Rising commodity prices and a surge in imports in the second half of FY22 resulted in a Balance of Payments (BoP) deficit and accelerating inflation.

Real GDP growth is expected to slow in FY23 as import suppression measures disrupt economic activity. Growth is expected to 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 surplus as import growth moderates and remittance inflows rise with a high outflow of workers to 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; deepening the financial sector; 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: Apr 06, 2023

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of rural roads have been improved and maintained in Bangladesh

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