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Why is Bangladesh's happiness level declining?

Published : Monday, 24 March, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 687
Mahmuda Begum Sinthia
Bangladesh's position in the World Happiness Report dropping to 134 among 147 countries in 2025 from the 129th rank in 2024 is a significant drop. This fall reflects more pervasive national condition impacting the well-being of the people. The World Happiness Report, which is published annually by the Wellbeing Research Centre of the University of Oxford, provides a clear overview of the degree of happiness all over the globe. In the empirical study, the top three countries - Finland, Denmark, and Iceland have been revealed with the distinct positions. In 2025, Finland has once again topped the list, followed by Denmark and Iceland.

Finland's consistent high ranking in happiness owes to its strong social support systems, high life expectancy, and perceptions of freedom and lack of corruption. The country's emphasis on economic standing, education, health, and social unity makes it fertile ground for happiness. Denmark and Iceland follow closely, courtesy of the same Nordic ideals of putting social welfare and environmental sustainability at the core of their priorities. These countries are proof that happiness does not just depend on prosperity in terms of economics but also on government and social relationships.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh ranked 134 out of 147 countries, a massive decline from its previous position. It reflects broader societal challenges, including economic problems and political instability. Compared with its neighboring countries in South Asia, Bangladesh ranks lower than Pakistan, India, and Nepal, suggesting the need for policy intervention to enhance social support, economic stability, and governance. The findings of the report emphasize the need for urgency in resolving these issues to improve the well-being of Bangladeshi citizens.

Of general societal problems, rising inflation and economic troubles, national instability have all contributed towards falling availing solvencies and living standards, impacting overall happiness. High living standards, unemployment and employees' lack of honorarium significantly contribute to happiness. The cost of living has unnecessarily gone up, and it is difficult for most people to obtain basic necessities, while the rate of unemployment stands over six percent, affecting youths in particular. This country has mainly normalised the permanency of suffering of the Bangladeshis. Economic recession not only impinges on financial stability but on availability of fundamental necessities and services. Bangladesh's social and economic infrastructure needs to be developed and well protected.

Even corruption and lack of inter-trust, transparency are the key-contributing factors. From individuals to national leaders, corruption may cause disproportionate allocation of resources, which further increases economic inequalities and decreases social support networks.

The current Bangladesh continues to have extreme shortages of healthcare services, with a doctor-patient ratio of merely 5.26 per 10,000 individuals. Even costly healthcare services, diagnosis and medication intensify stress, insoluble misery and decrease overall well-being.


Consequently, poor social support systems and poor healthcare are to blame for low life satisfaction.In countries where they have good social support, their people are more likely to be happier. They have done well, focusing on social bonds and community in happiness. The U.S. and U.K. are lagging behind, having ranked 24th and 23rd respectively, due to such factors as social isolation and income disparities. The report quantifies happiness based on GDP, healthy living, social support, freedom, kind generosity, and perceptions of corruption. Freedom to make wise and right life choices and kind generosity are a vital part of happiness.

In Bangladesh, although there is a significant level of freedom to be wisest and make intellectual choices; even kind generosity and perceptions of sympathy are areas of concern. It is required for individual happiness and satisfaction. However, this freedom is typically constrained by social and economic circumstances. For instance, economic insecurity can limit choices regarding education, career, and personal development and secure level. Generosity is linked to higher happiness, as charitable acts can enhance a sense of purpose and fulfillment. However, in Bangladesh, perceptions of demoralised corruption are high, and this can discourage generosity.

Where there is corruption, individuals may have the idea that their efforts are not well spent. Citizens do not receive entitled incentives because these latter are almost linked with economic troubles, aid-less conditions, social disparities, and instability. Due to this, such a process incites individuals to minimize donations and societal engagements. Firm anti-corruption policy responses can establish trust, generosity and societal involvement. Not only does this foster a culture of generosity, but also bring more individual and collective happiness. Bangladesh does not do well in terms of the absence of strong social support. Social support is among the determinants of happiness because it provides security and a sense of belonging to people. In Bangladesh, the fact that there is no strong social support system in place is a matter of concern.

Many citizens are isolated, with no one to call upon when they need help. This feeling of isolation is compounded by urbanization and migration, which have a tendency to dissolve traditional family and community networks. Unhealthy social relationships can erode interrelationship, engagement and participation in social activities, which are very important in building a sense of belonging and happiness. Globally, the World Happiness Report highlights such trends as rising social, national and global isolation and falling trust, adherence in huge advancement. It also notes the positive impacts of social connections and acts of kindness on happiness. Such incisive observations are of tremendous value to policymakers around the globe, demanding the construction of community activities and trust in government to build national happiness levels. The World Happiness Report 2025 offers valuable guidance for countries desiring to advance the happiness of their citizens. By examining the success of the top three countries - Finland, Denmark, and Iceland, and the challenges for countries like Bangladesh, governments can develop policy to improve happiness based on social support, economic security, a skewness of systematic life standard, absence of generosity experience and good governance.

Bangladesh's low rank in happiness is due to a combination of these factors. All these issues can be addressed by confronting them with community programs, anti-corruption drives, and positive status promotion initiatives. This way, Bangladesh can move towards a more caring and fulfilling environment for its citizens.

The writer is a teacher, Imperial Int'l School, Dhaka (IISD)


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