Developing our countryside

There are a number of different types of development that every country needs—social, economic, in its governing institutions, etc. Bangladesh is a developing country that has done well in terms of its economic development over the last years. Our GDP growth rate of more than 7 percent has been impressive.

To achieve our target of becoming a developed country by 2041, the prime minister has decided to establish a number of economic zones which is good.

However, I would like to call on the government not to forget about the development of our countryside. There are thousands of villages in our country. Many of them are still very underdeveloped and are missing some of the most basic facilities.

Poor roads leading up to these villages make communication difficult for their inhabitants. Lack of hospitals and medical centres nearby only adds to their suffering. Children cannot go to school during rainy seasons as travelling becomes exceptionally difficult.

If we fail to provide the people living in our villages with a decent life it will only add to the overcrowdedness of our major cities, especially Dhaka. This will not be good for our economic development as it will only increase external costs.

Therefore, the authorities must plan carefully when it comes to development in the long run.

Md Mahbubur Rahman Sazid, University of Dhaka