Bangladesh was a synonym to poverty and starvation in the past; it's just a synonym of poverty today. Like many other countries in South and East Asia it had to overcome its dark age of economic backwardness and illiteracy. Unlike other countries from this region it seems it has no domestic will to do so. The international pressure to open up is also not present in this case. Predominant religious affiliation of the country is counterproductive for quick western-oriented modernization, especially after 9/11/2001. The future of this country looks dark.

Bangladesh for decades had been considered as the poorest among poor countries. This label is no longer valid today, but the reason for this isn't some spectacular development of this Asian country. It looks better today thanks to many countries in Africa that went down the scale. To be perfectly honest, some things have changed for better in Bangladesh. There are fewer children per family. There are also some literate women. Usually local authorities and the World Bank share the credits for such successes. We won't challenge their deep beliefs. Elimination of the starvation as everyday companion for millions is already a huge step forward for countries like Bangladesh.

Unlike other countries from South and East Asia, Bangladesh has no reason to undergo rapid modernization. Unlike China or India, it has no geopolitical rival, which rapid modernization represents some challenges for its national survival. China began modernization in order to check Japanese economic miracle; India began modernization in order to check Chinese reforms. It's only a matter of time before Pakistan begins its modernization in order to check Indian openness. Bangladesh has no similar international stimulus. India is a friendly country; in fact Bangladesh owes its independence from Pakistan in 1971 to Indian troops.

No matter how fast Bangladesh enters more reduced family model its population will keep growing. By 2050 it may reach 300 million, even more, all other factors being the same. So many people on so small territory will inevitably produce fast urbanization. The lack of economic openness matching the need of creating so many million new jobs will increase unemployment, which even today stands at extremely high levels. Uprooted from their villages, unable to find jobs, millions of people will fall easy prey to religious extremists, already very active even before 9/11/2001.

Can the state institutions withstand such tensions? Which social groups may help the government keep the law and order? Will it be the quickly shrinking in relative terms pool of peasants, predominantly poor? Will it be the tiny business elite, associated with international business interests? Will it be small and weak urban middle class under pressure from more powerful international business interests?

Stabilization of Bangladesh society just above the level of starvation doesn't really mean stability. The most likely scenario implies urbanization spinning out of control, collapse of political institutions, and turning Bangladesh into breeding ground for domestic and international terrorism.

Bangladesh country profile:

• Area: 144,000 sq km
• Climate: tropical; mild winter; hot, humid spring; humid, warm rainy monsoon
• during the summer.
• Terrain: mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeast.
• Land use (arable land): 62.11%.
• Population: 144,319,628 (July 2005 est.).
• Population growth rate: 2.09% (2005 est.).
• Life expectancy at birth: 62.08 years.
• Literacy: 43.1% (female: 31.8%)
• Major infectious diseases (degree of risk): high.
• GDP per capita: purchasing power parity $2,000 (2004 est.)
• Unemployment rate: 40% (includes underemployment) (2004 est.)
• Population below poverty line: 45% (2004 est.)
• Main trading partners: India, China, the U.S., EU countries.
• Internet users: 243,000 (2003).

(Source: CIA - The World Factbook 2005)

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See also the directory of companies providing real estate services in, and general real estate information of Bangladesh.