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Wednesday | 11 December 2024 | Epaper
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How to protect people from penury 

Published : Monday, 4 November, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 347
Dr Matiur Rahman
Poverty has long been a significant challenge in Bangladesh, impacting millions of lives despite the country's impressive strides in economic growth. According to recent data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), approximately 18.7 percent of the population still grapples with poverty, translating to nearly 31.75 million individuals facing difficulties meeting basic daily expenses. 

This stark figure underscores the high cost of living and highlights the struggles many Bangladeshi households face in acquiring essential resources such as food, shelter, and healthcare. The persistence of poverty is a critical concern, demanding concerted efforts to bring tangible improvements to the lives of those most affected.

The 2024 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), sheds further light on the gravity of the situation. According to this report, around 4.17 million Bangladeshis live in extreme poverty, with approximately 6.5 percent of the population falling under this severe category.

For these individuals, life is marked by a lack of access to fundamental necessities, such as clean water, nutritious food, adequate housing, and education. This poverty level highlights the country's socioeconomic divide and demonstrates the ongoing need for effective strategies to close this gap and provide opportunities for all citizens.

Despite these troubling figures, Bangladesh's poverty reduction efforts have progressed over the last decade. Data from the World Bank indicates that the overall poverty rate dropped from 41.5 percent in 2010 to 20.5 percent in 2021, reflecting a considerable improvement in living standards for many Bangladeshis. Steady economic growth, robust development policies, and investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors have primarily driven this reduction. 

Furthermore, the expansion of microfinance initiatives, which has allowed millions of people to access small loans and credit, has contributed to economic empowerment, particularly among rural populations. These efforts have lifted a significant portion of the population from poverty and improved their quality of life.

Nevertheless, extreme poverty remains a substantial barrier to achieving equitable development. The current rate of extreme poverty, hovering around 10 percent, reveals the challenges faced by millions who remain trapped in conditions that deny them access to education, healthcare, and stable livelihoods. 

Such individuals are often vulnerable to economic shocks, such as inflation or natural disasters, which can exacerbate their precarious situation. Additionally, for those in extreme poverty, limited access to essential services means that any illness or loss of income can have devastating consequences, making it harder for them to escape the poverty cycle.

One critical challenge in addressing poverty in Bangladesh lies in creating targeted policies that address the specific needs of those living in extreme poverty. Although economic growth has created job opportunities and improved income levels for many, the benefits have not always reached the poorest communities. Often, economic growth is concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural populations with fewer opportunities for employment and income generation. 

More significant investment in rural development, including better infrastructure, access to markets, and support for small-scale farming, which remains a primary livelihood source for millions in rural Bangladesh, is needed to bridge this gap.

Expanding access to education and healthcare and targeted policies are essential to breaking the poverty cycle. Poverty often restricts individuals' access to quality education, limiting their job prospects and earning potential. Addressing this issue requires investing in educational programs, especially for children from low-income families, to provide them with the skills and knowledge needed for gainful employment. 

Similarly, improved healthcare access is crucial, as poor health can push families further into poverty due to medical expenses and lost income. Strengthening healthcare services, especially in underserved areas, can enhance the resilience of vulnerable populations and improve their overall quality of life.

Social safety nets also play a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of poverty. The government of Bangladesh has implemented various social protection programs to support the poorest citizens, including food assistance, cash transfers, and subsidies for essential goods. 

These programs have provided temporary relief to those in need, yet there is potential to expand their reach and effectiveness. By enhancing the efficiency of these social safety nets, the government can better support those in extreme poverty, offering them a means to meet their basic needs and build a foundation for future economic stability.

Furthermore, addressing poverty in Bangladesh requires a multidimensional approach that involves both governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). NGOs have long played a crucial role in poverty alleviation, particularly in healthcare, education, and skills training. 

Their efforts have helped to empower marginalized communities, offering resources and services that may not be accessible through governmental channels. Collaboration between the government and NGOs can create synergies that maximize the impact of poverty alleviation programs, ensuring that resources are efficiently allocated and reach those who need them most.

As Bangladesh continues to face the challenge of poverty, climate change adds complexity. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changes in agricultural productivity disproportionately affect poor communities, further exacerbating poverty levels. 

For instance, coastal communities are often more vulnerable to flooding and cyclones, which can destroy homes, disrupt livelihoods, and push families deeper into poverty. Addressing these environmental challenges is essential for poverty reduction efforts, as sustainable development depends on creating resilient communities that can withstand the impacts of climate change.

While Bangladesh has made notable progress in reducing poverty, the prevalence of extreme poverty remains a pressing issue. With around 31.75 million people living in poverty and 4.17 million in extreme poverty, there is a clear need for sustained efforts to address this socio-economic challenge. 

Tackling poverty in Bangladesh requires a holistic approach that combines economic growth with targeted policies, expanded access to education and healthcare, effective social safety nets, and strong partnerships with NGOs. By focusing on these critical areas, Bangladesh can further reduce poverty and ensure that all its citizens share economic development benefits.

The writer is a researcher and development worker



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