Economic growth and basic freedoms are closely intertwined, reveals data from a US-based think tank. Bangladesh’s Freedom Index, encompassing political, economic, and legal aspects, has seen a 22-year consecutive decline, according to the report.
Scoring 141 out of 164 on the Freedom Index places Bangladesh in the “mostly unfree” category, as confirmed by the US Embassy in Dhaka. Additionally, its ranking of 99 out of 164 on the Prosperity Index categorizes it as “mostly unprosperous.”
In response, the US Embassy, in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and The Asia Foundation, organized a “Prosperity and Good Governance Conference.” The event aimed to share insights from the Atlantic Council’s new global Freedom and Prosperity Report.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas emphasized the necessity of addressing issues like corruption and securing economic and political rights proactively. The conference convened representatives from various sectors, including government, civil society, business, donors, academia, and think tanks.
Joseph Lemoine, Director of the Atlantic Council’s Freedom and Prosperity Centre, highlighted key findings from the report, indicating a strong correlation between freedom and prosperity. Countries fostering political and economic freedoms, alongside robust legal systems, tend to attract more foreign investment.
Despite challenges, Bangladesh’s Vision 2041 agenda aims for a developed and prosperous nation, emphasizing economic growth and social progress. This strategic vision underscores Bangladesh’s commitment to empowering its citizens and strengthening its democratic foundation, as outlined in the report.
