Bangladesh has a low global profile compared to the size of its population.
While to some extent our growing economy can help to raise our profile, there is much more that can, and needs, to be done to improve and project Bangladesh’s image on the world stage.
The Good Country Index suggests that the best way to do this is to build up our reputation as a benign and valued member of the international community.
Presently, Bangladesh is only ranked 91st out of 125 countries on this index. Although this is higher than our per capita GDP ranking, it falls some way short of the total size of our economy and is considerably below our position as the world’s 8th largest country by population.
The country’s achievements as the leading contributor to UN peacekeeping forces and a good performer on the Millennium Development Goals are reflected by relatively good scores for contributions to international peace and security and for health and well-being, where Bangladesh is ranked 55th and 34th respectively.
However, the nation’s overall ranking is let down the most by much lower rankings for environment caused by air and water pollution, and by relatively low contributions to international scientific publications and new patents. Restrictive rules on press freedom and international trade also adversely affect rankings for contributions to trade and global culture.
Everyone can play a part in making the improvements we need. This requires a more outward looking approach on the part of both the government and business, so we get better at meeting best practice in international standards for all aspects of our society.
If we want to encourage other countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, we need to do more ourselves to improve our own environmental impacts.
Similarly, we need to increase investment in education and step up collaboration on trade agreements, so we can improve the impact of our universities and attract more international investment.
Taking a more global outlook and improving international collaboration on the key issues facing humanity is the best way we can improve Bangladesh’s reputation and stimulate the increased trade, tourism, and investment that Bangladesh needs to raise living standards for all our people.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
