Bangladesh is a developing country deep in poverty—about 31 percent of the country lives below the poverty line. Even though poverty is certainly prevalent in the country, strides have been made to reduce it in the past few years. For instance, the literacy rate in the country stands at an average of 72 percent and about 86 percent of the population has access to a drinking water source, according to the World Factbook.

Developing a country is an on-going process. Bangladesh is trying to continue its growth in ways that will ensure the success of the country. Here are five development projects in Bangladesh that will help the country reduce its level of poverty.

1. Health Sector Support Project. There are areas in Bangladesh, such as Sylhet and Chittagong, whose key health indicators are below average. The Health Sector Support Project will help to strengthen health, nutrition and population management systems. One of the most notable aspects of this project is that it seeks to improve the quality and coverage of essential services, such as immunization coverage for children. According to the World Bank, $515 million was loaned to the country in support of the project.
2. Bangladesh Insurance Sector Development Project. In order for the health sector to be sufficient, the insurance sector needs to be developed. The World Bank states that this project will “strengthen the institutional capacity of the regulator and state-owned insurance corporations and increase the coverage of insurance in Bangladesh.”
3. Smart City campaign. The urban population of Bangladesh, which currently stands at 55 million, will significantly contribute to the growing national GDP. According to the Smart City website, this will lead to “burgeoning in cities” and a need to improve the conditions of urban cities. Since cities are “key economic engines” one of the development projects in Bangladesh, the “Smart City” campaign, will help to innovate these areas of opportunities.
4. Additional Financing to Chittagong Water Supply Improvement and Sanitation Project. Parts of Bangladesh do not have access to an adequate water supply and sanitation. About 13 percent of the country does not have an adequate drinking supply and 39 percent of the country does not have access to water sanitation. This project will increase access to safe water and improve water supply, sanitation and drainage in Chittagong.
5. Clean Air and Sustainable Environment (CASE) Project. According to the World Bank, poor air quality in urban areas creates serious health hazards and adversely affects the environment and quality of life. Reducing pollution could save lives and diminish disease outbreaks. The CASE project would improve air quality and safe mobility in Dhaka through the implementation of demonstration initiatives.

Increasing water supply and sanitation, innovative technology and improving access to healthcare are significant ways to reduce poverty. With these development projects in Bangladesh, the country is well on its way to implementing practices that will reduce poverty in the country for the long term.

– Dezanii Lewis

Photo: Flickr