An Evaluation of Rural Social Service Programme of the Government of Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh was once considered a “test-case” by development practitioners implying that if development is possible in this country, it would be possible in any other country of the world. Bangladesh has successfully ridded herself of such undignified status. It is now a model of development to many other countries. Despite the severe scarcity of resources, the country has accomplished remarkable successes in many areas to have global dignitary like AK Sen as a spokesperson for it. Growth has picked up by about 1 percentage points in every decade since 1980s. The annual rate of poverty alleviation has also accelerated over time. The country is very much on track to accomplish the MDG goals. The economic management has been changed. With the budding entrepreneurship in the country, the government started denationalization in 1980s giving scope to the private sector to develop. The controlled regime of economic management of 1970s was replaced by outward orientation by mid 1990s, and which has been consistently pursued since then. While the outward orientation contributed to the acceleration of economic growth and development of the country, it has also exposed the country to external shocks. Recent experience suggests that the key to withstand any kind of economic shocks is to strengthen the resilience of the rural economy.