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The Ganges and Brahmaputra river flow to the Gulf of Bengal |
Situation
Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries in the world. 50% of the population, about 70 million people, is living below the poverty line. The elite come from a very small part of the population. The roots of this elite are the large landowners, industrial property owners, Muslim clergy and politicians. The social position of the female is very low. Bangladesh is one of the few countries in the world where women have a lower life expectance. The fight against poverty, human resource development and empowerment of women have a high priority in government policies, but the implementation of programs often fail.
Despite the raise of expenditure in the government social and health budgets, these budgets are still very low. As a result the poor health situation and low education standard of the population remains a major obstacle in the social - economical development of Bangladesh. Nevertheless there are some impressive results, for instance in the decreasing of the birth rate and the admittance of women and girls to primary education. Non Governmental Organisations (NGO's) have played and still play an important role in these results. Bangladesh is one of the least developed countries in the world, and has taken the lead for those countries within the World Trade Organisation. There is a structural deficit in the balance of payments. Transfers by citizens working abroad are of a crucial importance to Bangladesh. Furthermore, there is an enormous need for development aid. In 1997, the amount of this aid totalled 2.3% of the gross national product (in 1991, this was 6%). With a cash reserve that enables only two months of import, Bangladesh remains vulnerable to sudden economic setbacks, such as the reoccurring floods.
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The frequently return floods are a big problem. |
Women are not emancipated. |
The mayority of the populationlive a simple life. |
copyright Aloshikha Foundation |
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