Depending upon the lens through which one analyses Bangladesh's current economic development , anyone will arrive at different conclusions.This is similar to the parable of four blindfolded humans who touch different parts of an elephant and conclude that it is a rope (tail), snake (trunk), pillar (legs), and wall (body). We miss the big picture if we fail to recognise the different lenses and conclusions. At one extreme are the optimists who embrace free trade, free markets, liberalisation, and privatisation.
Bangladesh needs leaders and policymakers who can see different parts of the elephant at the same time without deeply entangling with ideologies.They need to be thoughtful about their actions in a complex socio-economic pluralism and alleviate the fears of pessimists. They need to address the concerns of doubters and temper the irrational exuberance of optimists. They have to be cautious optimists.
Some would say this approach might satisfy no one. But extremism has made things worse.Extreme optimism has led to an intense backlash which can put economic development on hold . Extreme pessimistic view has maintained the status quo of poverty and desperation. Cautious optimists recognise that inclusive economic development, managed liberalisation. and global trade are necessary steps to have sustainable progress. Foreign capital and technology are necessary to create jobs, become efficient , and complete effectively. Cautious optimists recognise that meaningful development cannot be achieved without broad-based investments in infrastructure , education, and healthcare. They understand the knowns and delliberate actions that are equitable and sustainable.
However, the rich need to be sensitive to the surrounding and to be compassionate. They have a greater opportunity to make a difference to society than any government. Sadly , the actions of pessimists to protect the underprivileged may prolong poverty and desperation, while those of optimists may exacerbate these actions. We must engage different viewpoints and temper extreme views for a meaningful development.We need cautious optimists to move Bangladesh ahead.
Bangladesh needs leaders and policymakers who can see different parts of the elephant at the same time without deeply entangling with ideologies.They need to be thoughtful about their actions in a complex socio-economic pluralism and alleviate the fears of pessimists. They need to address the concerns of doubters and temper the irrational exuberance of optimists. They have to be cautious optimists.
Some would say this approach might satisfy no one. But extremism has made things worse.Extreme optimism has led to an intense backlash which can put economic development on hold . Extreme pessimistic view has maintained the status quo of poverty and desperation. Cautious optimists recognise that inclusive economic development, managed liberalisation. and global trade are necessary steps to have sustainable progress. Foreign capital and technology are necessary to create jobs, become efficient , and complete effectively. Cautious optimists recognise that meaningful development cannot be achieved without broad-based investments in infrastructure , education, and healthcare. They understand the knowns and delliberate actions that are equitable and sustainable.
However, the rich need to be sensitive to the surrounding and to be compassionate. They have a greater opportunity to make a difference to society than any government. Sadly , the actions of pessimists to protect the underprivileged may prolong poverty and desperation, while those of optimists may exacerbate these actions. We must engage different viewpoints and temper extreme views for a meaningful development.We need cautious optimists to move Bangladesh ahead.
No comments:
Post a Comment