UNB, Dhaka :
Mentioning that inequality still remains as one of the most challenging areas in the country despite consistent economic growth over a decade, speakers at a dialogue here on Thursday urged the government to take some measures like ensuring good governance and reforming financial and tax policies to eliminate it.
The other measures include developing human resources and education, and ensuring access to justice and healthcare.
Oxfam in Bangladesh organised the national dialogue titled ‘Whither Inequality in Bangladesh’ at Cirdap auditorium in the capital, marking the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Chairperson of Unnayan Onneshan and a professor of Dhaka University’s Economics Department, unveiled the findings of a study at the event.
He said, the share of income has concentrated and centralised among the richest groups and the distribution of income is becoming progressively unequal in the country.
“Data shows vividly the concentration of income in the country as the ratio grew from 1.73 in 1985-86 to 2.93 in 2016 and 2.23 in 1995-96 to 2.62 in 2005 which means the concentration of
income has increased by 69.36 percent in the last three decades here,” Prof Rashed said.
He further said, rural people have been facing the tribulation of unemployment for lack of alternative sector-based job opportunities.
Noted economist and former adviser to caretaker government Dr AM Mirza Azizul Islam suggested reforming the financial policy and increasing the contribution of direct tax to eliminate inequality.
“The quality of equation has seen a serious deterioration. So, quality of education must be developed to reduce the unemployment rate. Allocation should be increased in education and health sectors. Our human resources development is also needed,” he said. Mirza Azizul underscored the need for reforming the financial sector and ensuring good governance to eliminate inequality.
Planning Minister MA Mannan said, although the poverty rate has come down in the country, the concern is there due to the increase in inequality. “Inequality is unfair. A legal government must be worked out to eliminate it. We’re working to do that. We’re also working in rural areas to address the problem,” he said.
The minister urged researchers to research more for the overall development of the country. “We’ve enough funds. If western people can research well, why can’t we do it? The data of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics will be available for all,” he also said. Former Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said, “We shouldn’t see who’re poor or who’re rich. We’ve to see all equally. However, sustainable development is not possible if there’s inequality.”
“Impunity is a problem here. Huge money is looted from banks but the looters are not brought to trial. How will we shape the financial sector and bring equality here?” he questioned.
Mentioning that inequality still remains as one of the most challenging areas in the country despite consistent economic growth over a decade, speakers at a dialogue here on Thursday urged the government to take some measures like ensuring good governance and reforming financial and tax policies to eliminate it.
The other measures include developing human resources and education, and ensuring access to justice and healthcare.
Oxfam in Bangladesh organised the national dialogue titled ‘Whither Inequality in Bangladesh’ at Cirdap auditorium in the capital, marking the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Chairperson of Unnayan Onneshan and a professor of Dhaka University’s Economics Department, unveiled the findings of a study at the event.
He said, the share of income has concentrated and centralised among the richest groups and the distribution of income is becoming progressively unequal in the country.
“Data shows vividly the concentration of income in the country as the ratio grew from 1.73 in 1985-86 to 2.93 in 2016 and 2.23 in 1995-96 to 2.62 in 2005 which means the concentration of
income has increased by 69.36 percent in the last three decades here,” Prof Rashed said.
He further said, rural people have been facing the tribulation of unemployment for lack of alternative sector-based job opportunities.
Noted economist and former adviser to caretaker government Dr AM Mirza Azizul Islam suggested reforming the financial policy and increasing the contribution of direct tax to eliminate inequality.
“The quality of equation has seen a serious deterioration. So, quality of education must be developed to reduce the unemployment rate. Allocation should be increased in education and health sectors. Our human resources development is also needed,” he said. Mirza Azizul underscored the need for reforming the financial sector and ensuring good governance to eliminate inequality.
Planning Minister MA Mannan said, although the poverty rate has come down in the country, the concern is there due to the increase in inequality. “Inequality is unfair. A legal government must be worked out to eliminate it. We’re working to do that. We’re also working in rural areas to address the problem,” he said.
The minister urged researchers to research more for the overall development of the country. “We’ve enough funds. If western people can research well, why can’t we do it? The data of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics will be available for all,” he also said. Former Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said, “We shouldn’t see who’re poor or who’re rich. We’ve to see all equally. However, sustainable development is not possible if there’s inequality.”
“Impunity is a problem here. Huge money is looted from banks but the looters are not brought to trial. How will we shape the financial sector and bring equality here?” he questioned.
