Bangladesh Economic Review 2023

CHAPTER TWELVE

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Human resource development is the government's principal goal, in addition to generating rapid growth,
through increasing the living standards of disadvantaged and underprivileged people. To combat the
long-term impacts of the coronavirus, the government is making continuous efforts to ensure the basic
needs of the people through economic restructuring with priority on life and livelihood, as well as to
improve the living standards of the disadvantaged and poor people. As a result through implementation
of various development programmes, Bangladesh is gradually improving in the Human Development
Index (HDI). According to the ‘Human Development Report-2021’ the position of Bangladesh has been
improved to 129 which is 4 steps ahead from 133 rd place in 2020. In FY 2022-23, the government has
spent about 23.88 percent of the total budget for the sectors related to human resource development such
as education and technology, health and family welfare, women and children, social welfare, youth and
sports development, culture, labour and employment etc. Multiple programmes have been adopted in the
light of the 'National Education Policy 2010' with the aim of creating opportunities for admission at all
levels of education and creating skilled and qualified human resources by improving the quality of
education. In order to ensure education for all in primary schools, special emphasis has been laid on
increasing school enrollment, pre-primary education, stipends and student-teacher connectivity hours. In
order to build skilled manpower to meet the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, maximum
emphasis has been laid on technical education. Bangladesh has achieved Millennium Development Goal
(MDG) related to health sector, prior to the stipulated time due to undertaking many priorities based
programmes in health, nutrition and population sector. Remarkable progress has been achieved in
reducing child and maternal mortality and in increasing average life expectancy. The National
Deployment and Vaccination Plan has already been formulated under the Extended Immunisation
Programmme (EPI) to protect lives and prevent deaths from the COVID-19. Through this initiative, work
is underway to vaccinate 70 percent of the population against COVID-19. Various development
initiatives, programmes, and other activities are being undertaken, as well as necessary legislation and
regulations for the creation of equal rights in all aspects of state and public life and the elimination of all
types of discrimination against women. The government is carrying out various activities for the welfare
of the poor, disadvantaged, neglected, special needs and orphans. Various reform initiatives, including
financial sector reform, anti-corruption and preventative actions are being adopted and executed in order
to promote balanced development and to establish good governance.

conducted by BBS, the economically viable

The main goal of the government is to achieve
workforce above the age of 15 years is 7.3 crore.
high growth through sustainable and inclusive
The government is implementing different types
development as well as qualitative change in the
of development programmes to accumulate
living standards of the people by alleviating
demographic dividend by utilising the huge
poverty and reducing inequality. It is necessary to
number of working age people. Under this
build a skilled population to accelerate the
circumstance, the government has taken
economic development of the country by tackling
relentless efforts and various initiatives for
the long term effects of COVID-19 and the
human resource development of the country
challenges of the 4th Industrial Revolution.
through improving the standard of living of the
According to the labor force survey 2022,

Chapter 12: Human Resource Development | 183

Bangladesh Economic Review 2023

under privileged and impoverished segments of SAARC countries, such as India (132), Nepal
the population. This has resulted in progress in (143), Myanmar (149), Pakistan (161) and
the Human Development Index (HDI). Afghanistan (180) are below the ranking of
According to the ‘Human Development Report- Bangladesh in HDI. Allocations of human
2021’ the position of Bangladesh is 129. Among development related sectors have been boosted
South Asian Association for Regional up day by day. Position of Bangladesh in the HDI
Cooperation (SAARC) countries, Sri Lanka (73), of recent few years have been presented to the
Maldives (90) and Bhutan (127) are ahead of Table 12.1.
Bangladesh (129) in respect of HDI. Other

Table 12.1: HDI Position of Bangladesh

Year 2000 2010 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Index value 0.485 0.553 0.602 0.612 0.622 0.635 0.644 0.655 0.661
Source: Human Development Report- 2021. UNDP

Public Expenditure for Human Resource government is providing adequate allocation

Development every year in the national budget for the
The government is committed to ensure the development of education and health sector. In
basic needs of the people as well as human FY 2022-23, a total of Tk. 1,18,312 crore has
resource development through economic reform been allocated in these two sectors, which is
focusing on life and livelihoods to combat the 19.59 percent of the total budget. As a result of
long-term effects of the coronavirus. More the execution of practical initiatives in the
investment is essential in social sectors education and health sectors, the government is
including education and health for human playing an effective role in education, health,
resource development. This is why the and family welfare. As a consequence, gender
government is gradually increasing the budget balance has been achieved by elimination of
allocation for the sectors related to human discrimination in the primary and secondary
resource development such as education and education levels. Human resource development
technology, health and family welfare, women process is going on through achieving
and children, social welfare, youth and sports significant progress in reduction in fertility rate,
development, culture, labor and employment. reduction of child and maternal mortality rate,
Particular emphasis has been placed on prevention of spread of Tuberculosis and AIDS.
strengthening the health sector infrastructure, Sports and youth development can also
increasing the area of social security, developing contribute to human resource development. For
human resources and establishing good that reason, budget allocation is also increased in
governance in government institutions. these sectors. Table 12.2 and Figure 12.1 present
the total allocation in operating and development
In FY 2022-23, about 23.88 percent of the total budget in the social sector during FY 2012-13 to
budget has been allocated for the sectors related FY 2022-23. It is noteworthy that in the last one
to human resource development, which was decade, the total budget allocation in this sector,
24.93 percent in FY 2021-22. The education and including the operating and development
health sectors are considered as the mainstay of budgets, has been steadily increasing.
human resource development. Therefore, the

Chapter 12: Human Resource Development | 184

Bangladesh Economic Review 2023

Table 12.2: Allocation (Operating and Development) of Selected Ministries

(Taka in Crore)

Sector 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23

Education, Science & ICT 21561 28272 33499 34370 52914 65444 67935 79488 85762 94877 99978
Health and Family Welfare 9130 9955 11537 12695 17486 20652 23,383 25733 29247 32731 36863
Youth, Sports and Culture 976 1061 1068 1199 1343 1803 2008 2063 2057 1709 1919
Labour and Employment 134 192 226 302 308 262 227 313 350 365 357
Social Welfare, Women’s 4091 4730 5962 7613 9433 11394 13343 15083 16285 19658 21474
Affairs and Liberation War
Affairs
Chittagong Hill Tracts 583 633 684 779 840 1150 1309 1194 1235 1182 1338
Affairs
Total Allocation 36475 44843 52976 56958 82324 100705 108205 123874 134936 150522 161929
(Operating and
Development)
Sources: Finance Division, Ministry of Finance. (*Figures are based on budget)

Figure 12.1: Trend of Government Allocation in the Social Sector of Selected Ministries

180000 161929
150522
160000
134936
140000 123874
120000 108205
100705
Taka in Crore 100000 82324
80000
52976 56958
60000 44843
34718 36475
40000
20000
0
2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23

Sources: Finance Division, Ministry of Finance (*Figures are based on Budget)

Education and Technology in Vision 2021. The cardinal objective of policy

is to foster humanity among the future citizens of
The government is taking various steps to ensure
the country and to grow them as creative,
inclusive and science-based modern education
rational, tolerant to others opinion and liberal
system along with implementation of inclusive
who will be able to lead the country towards
and science-oriented education activities and
inclusive development and progress.
development of infrastructure in order to
accelerate the development of education by Primary and Mass Education
overcoming the crisis of COVID-19. The
As a consequence of the government's prompt
government has approved the ‘National
actions to promote inclusive and equitable quality
Education Policy 2010’ as a step towards
education for all and create opportunities for
implementing a time befitting technical education
lifelong learning, success in primary education
system in the country which will help to establish
has been achieved in different indices and human
digital Bangladesh where the main goal is set out
resource development has been expedited. In line

Chapter 12: Human Resource Development | 185

Bangladesh Economic Review 2023

with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), madrassa) in 2021. Number of enrolment and
target has been set to ensure quality pre-primary ratio of female students is increasing
education for all children and quality primary consistently. Rate of enrolment of female
education for all school-going children by 2030. students is more than the male students. In 1991,
Government is implementing Stipend project, 4th the male-female student’s ratio was 55:45.
Primary Education Development Programme Currently, the ratio is about 50:49. Table 12.3
(PEDP-4), Reaching Out of School (ROSC) shows students’ enrolment rate and percentage of
project, School Feeding programme for poor male-female students at primary levels from 2010
areas, need based government and newly to 2021. Some students are compelled to leave
nationnalised primary school development the school before completion of primary
project (1st phase), Basic Literacy project and education for various reasons. Rate of drop out is
some other projects for attaining the goals of consistently decreasing as the government has
SDG. Number of primary schools in the country taken several realistic steps. Table 12.4 shows
was 49,539 in 1991. The number has increased to remarkable changes of drop-out scenario of
1,18,891 (different NGO schools, child welfare students at primary level during the period 2010
and Madrassa/Mosque based centre/Qawmi to 2021.

Table 12.3: Boys- Girls Enrolment at Primary Level

Net Enrollment
Year Total Boys (%) Girls (%)
Rate (%)
83.95 85.63
2010 169.58 94.8
(49.50) (50.50)
91.39 92.93
2011 184.32 94.9
(49.60) (50.40)
94.63 95.40
2012 190.03 96.7
(49.80) (50.20)
97.81 98.04
2013 195.85 97.3
(49.94) (50.06)
96.39 99.14
2014 195.53 97.7
(49.30) (50.70)
93.69 96.99
2015 190.68 97.9
(49.14) (50.86)
92.28 93.75
2016 186.03 97.96
(49.60) (50.40)
85.08 87.47
2017 172.55 97.97
(49.32) (50.68)
85.39 87.99
2018 173.38 97.85
(49.25) (50.75)
99.69 101.53
2019 201.22 97.34
(49.55) (50.45)
105.60 109.91
2020* 215.51 97.81
(49.00) (51.00)
101.42 99.59
2021* 201.01 97.42
(50.46) (49.53)
Source: Ministry of Primary and Mass Education (* With pre-primary)

Chapter 12: Human Resource Development | 186

Bangladesh Economic Review 2023

Table 12.4: Year wise Drop-out Rate at Primary Level

Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Dropout
39.8 29.7 26.2 21.4 20.9 20.4 19.2 18.8 18.6 17.9 17.2 14.15
rate (%)
Source: Annual Primary School Census, 2021, Directorate of Primary Education.

2020 and 2021 has been postponed. The two

Important Activities in Primary Education
football tournaments of 2022 has been held
• ‘4th Primary Education Development in 2023.
Programme (PEDP-4)’ has been
• Since 2009, terminal examination in Grade-5
implemented to develop the quality of
has been held based on unique questionnaires
primary education. Through various activities
throughout the country. Ebtedayee madrasas
under this programme, priorities have been
have been included under terminal
given to increase enrolment and attendance
examination system since 2010. The final
of school-going children, reduce drop-out
examination was not held in 2020 and 2021
and enhance school contact hour.
due to Covid-19 pandemic.
• The Government of Bangladesh has been
• To increase enrolment and to retain the
distributing books free of costs among the
enrolled student, “School feeding programme
students of the primary schools every year at
in poverty prone area” has been implemented
the first day of the academic session through
for the period July 2010 to June 2022 at an
a book distribution festival. In 2023, 63.29
estimated cost of Tk. 4991.97 crore. Fortified
lakh for pre-primary level students, 9.66
biscuits were distributed in each school day
crore for primary level and 2.12 lakh reading
among the 29 lakh students of 104 upazillas.
materials/Textbook for students (1st-3rd
The project has been completed on June
class) of 5 minor ethnic groups (Chakma,
2022. Feasibility study is ongoing to initiate
Marma, Tripura, Garo, Sadri) have been
a new project of school feeding at large scale.
distributed.
• In order to ensure quality primary education,
• Decentralisation of administrative and
recruitment of teachers for vacant/created
financial power in primary education has
posts in government primary schools is in
been implemented. As a step towards
progress. 37,574 assistant teachers have been
decentralisation, ‘School Level Improvement
recruited on January, 2023 through
Plan (SLIP)’ and ‘Upazila Primary Education
publishing appointment circular in 2020 and
Plan (UPEP)’ have been implemented phase
35,017 assistant teachers joined among the
wise.
selected. Notification has been issued for
• 'Bangabandhu Gold Cup Primary School another more vacant posts.
Football Tournament' for boys and • Under PEDP-4, implementation of ‘Second
‘Bangamata Sheikh Fazilutunnesa Mujib Chance Education’ programme will offer
Gold Cup Primary School Football primary education to 10 lakh deprived
Tournament’ for girls has been arranged children, aged 8-14 years who are out of
every year with a view to enhance physical • schools and dropouts. Institutional teaching
and mental strength and to create a programme of 1 lakh children has been
competitive attitude among the students. completed and centre opening for the rest 9
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the two lakh learners is under process.
football tournaments scheduled to be held on

Chapter 12: Human Resource Development | 187

Bangladesh Economic Review 2023

• "Basic Literacy Project (64 districts)" from Development including beautification of

February, 2014 to June, 2022 has been Govt. Primary Schools in Dhaka City and
implemented in 250 Upazilas of 64 districts Purbachal project”. Master plan of 41 schools
under 7 divisions to provide basic literacy to have been approved and development of 10
4.5 million illiterate adolescents and adults in schools are ongoing.
15-45 age group. Secondary Education
Physical Infrastructure Facilities at Primary The government has been giving the highest
School Level importance to the expansion of sustainable and
Infrastructure development activities have been quality secondary and higher secondary
undertaken for increasing the quality of primary education. To sustain the success achieved in the
education. Infrastructure development scenario is rate of secondary education together with the
as follow in FY 2022-23, till February, 2023: gender parity, emphasis is being placed on the
implementation of various programmes like
• During 2010 to February, 2022, a total of general, science and technology based education
1,15,588 classrooms have been constructed and training, provision of financial assistance for
in 29,962 schools. students and teachers, various talent development
activities, providing supportive policies and
• Under PEDP-4, 50,000 additional classrooms
environment, and building capacity and
and 10,500 head teachers' rooms will be
constructing and developing the infrastructure of
constructed. So far, construction of 12,741 government secondary schools. Activities, such
classrooms has been completed in 3,273 as providing financial benefits to teachers of
schools. In addition, 29,000 separate wash MPO-enlisted private educational institutions,
blocks will be constructed for students and distributing free textbooks, introducing e-books,
pure drinking water supply system will be and setting up of Upazila ICT training and
installed in 15,000 schools. resource centres are underway.
• Under Need-based Infrastructural
Establishment of educational institutions and
Development of Government Primary School
development of physical infrastructure
(1st phase), project 40,000 additional
classrooms will be constructed. Therein, Quality, participatory and universal education is
construction of 26,516 classrooms, 3,481 essential to build a developed and prosperous
wash blocks and installation of 3,950 tube- Bangladesh. And for this, the construction of
well have been completed. Besides, under standard and modern education infrastructure is
Need-based Infrastructure Development of required. From the previous year 2009-10 to the
present period, 27,213 buildings have been
Newly Nationalized Primary School (1st
included in the project. Out of this, 13,113
phase), project 25,000 additional classrooms
buildings construction/extension works have
will be constructed. Besides Construction of
been completed and 14,100 buildings are under
22,140 classrooms have been completed.
construction. Under the “Physical Infrastructure
Furthermore, construction of 2,518 wash
Development of Selected Private Secondary
blocks and establishment of 3,199 tube-well Schools (1st Revised)” project, construction of 1-
have been completed. storey academic building with 4-storey
• 356 Government schools will be foundation has been completed in 3,000
constructed/renovated under the educational institutions. Under the project
“Establishment & Infrastructure "Construction of Academic Buildings of Selected
Private Madrasahs" of 1-storey academic

Chapter 12: Human Resource Development | 188

Bangladesh Economic Review 2023

buildings with 4-storey foundation have been learners by uploading on web site. The e-
completed in 1,000 madrashas. 11 government learning modules for 6 subject textbooks of
secondary schools have been established in grade 7 and 8 and e-learning materials for 6
Dhaka city. Academic activities have already textbooks for grade 9-10 have been
started in educational institutions. 05 new improvised and uploaded.
universities and 03 engineering colleges have
• Prepared audio visual training content for
been set up. Construction of 07 new government
secondary schools in Khulna, Barisal and Sylhet teachers for proper conduct of class activities
in all subjects of class 6th and 7th in light of
cities has been completed. 14,698 repair and
new curriculum and training provided to all
renovation works have been programmed in
government/private educational institutions. teachers.
Among them, 10,883 repair and renovation • MyGov service has been launched. With the
works have been completed. Modern easy adoption of digital applications by
computer/ICT labs have been constructed in citizens through a service platform, it has
secondary schools, madrasas and technical become possible for government services to
education institutes. At the college level, ICT reach the doorsteps of the people.
buildings, ICT Learning Centers, Teachers
Training Institute (TTC) buildings have been • Online entry of secondary schools under the
constructed. Department of Secondary and Higher
Education is in progress. Field level offices
Use of information technology in education and educational institutions are being
Considering the importance of science and monitored under the Digital Monitoring
technology based education, especially the System (DMS) app.
Fourth Industrial Revolution, a number of
initiatives have been taken to leverage ICT and Providing stipends to students
digital technology in education management and Under the Prime Minister's Education Assistance
education programme. Trust, Tk. 1321.77 crore was distributed for
• In the light of the new National Curriculum stipends and tuition fees among 48.47 lakh poor
framework-2021, Digital Technology subject and meritorious students at secondary level
has been introduced in class 6 and class 7 in disbursed through Mobile Banking and Online
the academic year 2023. As a result of Banking.
uploading e-books on the website of National Free text books distribution among students
Curriculum and Textbook Board, anyone
Free text books are distributed among students
living in different countries of the world
for ensuring the opportunity of education for both
including Bangladesh can download and use
rich and poor, preventing drop outs and making
the textbooks from anywhere in the world.
education standard, comprehensive and effective.
Audio clips of Listening Texts of English for
First day of the year is celebrated as the
Today textbooks for 6th to 9th-10th class
‘Textbook Day’. Free textbooks are distributed
have been created and uploaded on NCTB'
among primary and secondary students on this
website.
day across the country at the same time. A
• In order to make the use of textbooks easy
number of 33.48 crore textbooks were distributed
and attractive in the context of technological
in 2023 under this programme.
development digital content of 21 textbooks
of primary level and Interactive Digital Text Technical Education
(IDT) of 16 textbooks of class 6 have been Various initiatives have been taken to
completed and have been made accessible for mainstream technical education in preparation for

Chapter 12: Human Resource Development | 189

Bangladesh Economic Review 2023

the Fourth Industrial Revolution. At the same of madrasa teachers will continue through the
time, opportunities for quality technical 'Development of Scheduled Madrasas' project.
education have been expanded to create skilled As part of the integration of madrasa education
manpower suitable for the domestic and into the mainstream of education, steps are being
international labor market. For example, taken to ensure transparency in the funding
infrastructure development for the purpose of available from various sources in the private
enrolling more students, project implementation sector for the development of madrasas. At
for capacity building of 64 TSCs, training of present, there are 8,229 MPO registered
English and Mathematics teachers. madrasas in the country. Curriculum on Quran,
There are a total of 10,856 technical education Aqeedah and Fiqh, Arabic and Hadith has been
institutions in government and private developed from 1st to Alim class in order to make
educational institutions approved by the Madrasa education up-to-date. In line with the
Bangladesh Technical Education Board. In the existing general education curriculum and
last 10 years, progress was made in the field of syllabus formulated by the National Curriculum
technical education. In 2021, the enrollment rate and Textbook Board (NCTB) for general
in technical education was 15.79 percent. In that compulsory and optional subjects except Arabic
continuity, various projects/programmes have subjects up to secondary level for madrasa
been taken to improve the enrollment in technical education are being followed. Textbooks on all
education by 30 percent by 2030. subjects are being printed and distributed through
NCTBA.
Again, necessary steps have been taken to
implement National Technical and Vocational Higher Education
Qualifications Framework (NTVQF) at all levels.
During last decade radical change has been
To eliminate inequality in technical and
accomplished in higher education sector in
vocational education, stipends are being provided
Bangladesh. The government has taken a number
to the students, free textbooks are being
of significant steps through the Bangladesh
distributed, and one-time grants are being
University Grants Commission (UGC) to expand
provided to the poor and meritorious students and
and enhance the quality of higher education. A
teachers. Several programmes, such as setting up
public university has been established in almost
of 1 technical school and college (TSC) in each
every old district of the country. At present,
of 100 Upazilas, establishment of 1 women's
number of public universities stands to 53, 50 of
polytechnic institute in 4 divisional cities (Sylhet,
which started academic programme and out of
Barisal, Mymensingh, Rangpur), establishment
110 private universities, 102 already started
of Polytechnic Institutes in 23 districts and
academic activities. For improvement of higher
establishment of 1 Engineering College in each
education and research activity, ‘Strategic Plan
of 4 divisions (Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi,
for Higher Education in Bangladesh: 2018-2030’
Rangpur) are underway.
has been formulated as well as initiatives taken to
Madrasah Education implement it by UGC.
The government has undertaken extensive Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) has
activities for the development and modernisation been set up in 119 (public 41 and 78 private)
of madrasas. To enhance the quality of madrasa universities to evaluate the activities of each
education, construction of new buildings for department and institute of the country's
1,800 madrasas, setting up of multimedia rooms universities and to ensure quality teaching and
for existing 653 madrasas and capacity building the cells are being closely monitored. Instructions

Chapter 12: Human Resource Development | 190

Bangladesh Economic Review 2023

have been issued by the Commission for the build a healthy, strong and functioning
establishment of IQAC in the remaining population, the government has intensified its
universities. The Bangladesh National efforts to ensure affordable and quality healthcare
Qualifications Framework (BNQF) formulated by for all citizens through development of health,
the Commission has been approved by the nutrition and population sectors. Significant
government and has been sent to all the progress has been made in the health sector as a
universities for necessary purposes. Curriculums result of taking various activities. As a
of all the private universities are being updated consequence of prompt intervention of the
on the basis of OBE Template from 01 Junuary government, significant progress has been made
in lowering the fertility rate and mortality rate,
2023 in a bid to make the higher education time-
improving average life expectancy, and lowering
befitting, modern and world-class. Through this,
infant and maternal mortality rates.
a radical change of taking place in tertiary
education. Besides, academic activities are being The expansion and quality of health services has
conducted laying emphasis on vocational, science improved and significant success has been
and IT education in private universities. achieved in controlling infectious diseases due to
the health and social protection programmes
Development of Health and Family Welfare adopted by the government. In addition, due to
Sector the development of food security system,
The government is making continuous efforts to expansion of women's education, the standard of
address the global pandemic of coronavirus living of the people has improved and life
properly and to overcome its economic impact by expectancy has also increased. Table 12.5 shows
giving priority to life and livelihood. In order to the trend of health indicators from 2014 to 2021.

Table 12.5: Recent Trends in Health Indicators

Indicator Level 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021*
National 18.9 18.8 18.7 18.5 18.3 18.1 18.1 18.8
Crude Birth Rate
Urban 17.2 16.5 16.1 16.1 16.1 15.9 15.3 16.4
(per 1000 population)
Rural 19.4 20.3 20.9 20.4 20.1 20.0 20.4 19.5
National 5.2 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.0 4.9 5.1 5.7
Crude Death Rate 4.9 4.8
(per 1000 population) Urban 4.1 4.6 4.2 4.2 4.4 4.4
Rural 5.6 5.5 5.7 5.7 5.4 5.4 5.2 6.0
Male 24.9 25.3 25.2 25.1 25.5 25.3 25.2 25.3
Average Age at Marriage
Female 18.3 18.4 18.4 18.4 18.9 18.9 19.1 19.1
Both 70.7 70.9 71.6 72 72.3 72.6 72.8 72.3
Life Expectancy at Birth (year) Male 69.1 69.4 70.3 70.6 70.8 71.1 71.2 70.6
Female 71.6 72.0 72.9 73.3 73.8 74.2 74.5 74.1
National 30 29 28 24 22 21 21 22
Infant Mortality Rate (<1 year) 20 21
Urban 26 28 28 22 21 20
(per 1000 live births)
Rural 31 29 28 25 22 22 21 22
National 38 36 35 31 29 28 28 28
Under 5 Mortality Rate (per 1000 live Urban 30 32 32 27 27 26 26 26
births) 28 29
Rural 40 39 36 33 31 29
National 193 181 178 172 169 165 163 168
Maternal mortality Ratio
Urban 182 162 160 157 132 123 138 140
(per lakh live births)
Rural 196 191 190 182 193 191 178 176
Contraceptive users rate (%) 62.2 62.1 62.3 62.5 63.1 63.4 63.9 65.6
Total Fertility Rate
2.11 2.10 2.10 2.05 2.05 2.04 2.04 2.05
(per women, 15-49 years of age)
Source: Report on Bangladesh Sample Vital Statistics-2021.

Chapter 12: Human Resource Development | 191

Bangladesh Economic Review 2023

Community Clinic (CC) based Primary and about 1 lakh normal deliveries have been
Health Care Services completed so far in this system which has been
started gradually since 2009.
Community Clinic (CC) is the first tier public
health facility to provide primary health care Extended Programme on Immunisation (EPI)
services to the people at periphery, especially in
Government is continuing vaccination
remote and very hard to reach areas. At present
programme against vaccine preventable diseases
14,200 CCs are functional all over the country at
(VPD) through the expanded programme of
the union level. These community clinics have
immunization (EPI) to protect the children
become fully operational by recruiting
against those diseases. EPI is providing vaccines
community health care providers (CHCPs) based
against 10 vaccine preventable diseases named:
on community clinics to provide them with
Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus,
appropriate training to develop their skills and
Hepatitis-B, Haemophyllus Influenza-type-B,
distribute adequate medicine and family planning
Pneumococcal Pneumonia and Measles and
materials. It is estimated that an average of 38
Rubella. As a result of successful implementation
patients per day receive service from each CC
of EPI, World Health Organization (WHO)
and 95 percent of them are women and children.
declared Bangladesh as Polio free country and
Beneficiaries from the CCs from 2009 to
this position is maintained. To achieve the year
February, 2022 are the rural people getting
wise coverage, EPI programme has procured and
services through around 114 crore visits. During
disbursed routine vaccination for children and
the same period, about 1 crore emergency and
women of 68186.34 lakh for the year 2021-22
complicated patients were referred to centres
and for this current year 2022-23 FY the process
with higher facility for better management.
of procurement of 92402.08 lakh of routine
About 4,000 community clinics across the
vaccines are ongoing.Table 12.6 shows the yearly
country are providing normal delivery services
EPI coverage.
Table 12.6: Vaccination under EPI Programme

OPV- 1 OPV-2 OPV-3 Penta-1 Penta- 2 Penta-3 Measles

Year BCG (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) MR- 1 MR-2 All vaccines
(%)

2012 99.0 99.0 97.7 95.1 99.0 97.6 90.0 88.5 - 82.9

2013 95.0 95.0 94.0 92.0 91.0 93.0 92.0 86.0 81.0

2014 99.2 95.1 94.2 94.0 91.0 93.0 93.0 86.6 - - 81.6

2015 99.2 94.0 94.7 92.7 92.6 93.3 86.6 86.6 - - 81.6

2016 99.5 97.8 97.0 90.1 97.8 97.0 90.1 87.5 - - 82.3

2017 101.3 100.1 99.3 97.9 100.1 99.9 98.5 98.8 97.7 86.3 98.8

2018 100.6 99.3 98.2 97.7 98.7 97.3 96.6 97.6 97.1 95.3 97.6

2019 102.3 101.4 100.3 99.3 101.4 100.3 99.3 99.0 98.7 96.8 97.1

2020 97.3 95.9 93.9 92.6 95.7 93.7 92.5 91.4 92.8 91.8 92.0

2021 103.2 102.1 101.0 99.9 102.1 100.9 99.7 99.7 99.1 97.2 99.3

2022 104.2 103.3 102.5 101.6 102.8 101.8 101 - 101 98.2 99.9

Source: *Bangladesh EPI Census 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, DHIS2 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021.2022

Chapter 12: Human Resource Development | 192

Bangladesh Economic Review 2023

COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy, in each upazila every month. At present there are
Management and Initiatives 43 colonoscopy centres in Bangladesh at district
and upazila level.
The National Deployment and Vaccination Plan
has already been formulated under the Extended The Maternal Health Voucher Scheme has
Immunization Programme (EPI) to protect lives provided services to 50,472 poor mothers in 55
and prevent deaths from the COVID-19 Upazilas of the country from July, 2021 to June,
epidemic, through which the World Health 2022 and provided cash incentives and travel
Organisation (WHO) targets 70 percent of the allowances through Tk. 1071.32 lakh through
population to be vaccinated against COVID-19. mobile banking. The government has provided
At the initiative of the Department of Health short-term training for community based skilled
Services, age and authority based registration is birth attendant (CSBA) and midwives and
introduced through the web portal deployed them to the remote and rural areas. Till
www.surokkha.gov.bd. So far, 114,328,048 to date 12,510 CSBAs have been trained to
(73%) people have registered for the vaccine provide maternal health care services at the rural
against the target. The government has stocks of level. 3 years midwifery training course is going
vaccines required to provide vaccines with on and 3,000 posts have been created for
booster to the target population. midwives and 2,550 midwives are posted in
different health facilities.
Maternal and Neonatal Health Services
Nutrition
As special priority to the improvement of
Maternal and Child Health, many activities have To expand the nutrition service throughout the
been undertaken at the national level. Various country, the Operational Plan (OP) ‘National
training programmes are being introduced to Nutrition Services (NNS)’ has been taken up
improve the skills of physicians, nurses, under 4th HPNSP. It’s being implanted by the
midwives, and other professionals who offer Directorate of Health. The main purpose of the
emergency maternity care, encourage programme is to provide up to date and scientific
institutional delivery, and provide maternal and nutrition service to the vulnerable population,
child health services. The government has awareness building for the food habit changing
launched Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC) in and nutrition induced life style and reducing
each district with the help of various maternal and child mortality by prevention of
development partners to provide emergency malnutrition.
maternity services. At present Comprehensive To provide nutrition services to children
Emergency Obstetric Neonatal Care (CEmONC) suffering from acute malnutrition, activities are
services are available in all Medical College being done out in all District Hospitals, Medical
Hospitals, 59 District Hospitals, 03 General College Hospitals, and Upazila Health Complex
Hospitals, 132 Upazila Health Complexes and 63 410 Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) units. At
Maternal and Child Welfare centres. Rest of the the grassroots level, 412 Integrated Management
Upazila Health Complexes is providing Basic of Childhood Illness (IMCI) and Nutrition
Emergency Obstetric Neonatal Care (BEmONC) Corners have been set up to prevent child
service. Expansion of EmONC services has malnutrition. In order to provide nutrition
reduced maternal mortality to 163 per lakh live services to the people in slums, remote areas of
births and neonatal mortality to 28 per thousand villages especially in char, haor area, NNS is
live births. In addition, more than 200 mothers conducting nutrition services activities in
are being screened for cervical and breast cancer coordination with various Ministries/Division

Chapter 12: Human Resource Development | 193

Bangladesh Economic Review 2023

/Departments and local and foreign private aid Comprehensive Competency Nutrition Training
agencies. Guideline on COVID-19 has been (CCTN). In addition, 108 episodes of the weekly
formulated and guidelines have been distributed programme titled 'Nutrition Prosperity' have been
among all health and family planning aired on BTV World. Table12.7 shows a whole
officers/service providers. About 62,000 picture of nutrition status of Bangladesh.
officers/service providers have been trained on

Table 12.7: Nutrition Status of Bangladesh

2011 2014 2018 Target 2023 Remark

Index
(%) (%) (%) (%)

Underweight child (0-59

36.4 32.6 22 25 On Track
month’s)
Stunted child (0-59 month’s) - 36.1 31 25 On Track
Wasting (0-59 month’s) - 14.3 8 <10 On Track
Low birth weight - 22.6 - <18 On Track
Exclusive breast feeding 47.1 50.8 69 60 On Track

Rate of breast feeding child 64 55.3 65 65 On Track

Rate of Anemic pregnant
- - - On Track
women
Less than one-
Rate of Anemic adolescence girl - - - third decrease On Track

Rate of Anemic child - - - On Track

Night blindness - 0.2 - <1 On Track
Usage rate of Iodine salt at Less than one-
82 - On Track
household level third decrease
Rate of Vitamin-A capsule
60 92 79 >90 On Track
intake (6-59 month’s)
Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Health Information System and E-health Programmes regarding admission in medical and
dental colleges, human resources management in
MOHFW has drawn global attention for the
the health sector, leave and deputation of the
successful utilisation of IT in the health sector.
doctors, every type of training and higher study
Laptops and Android Tablets have been provided
management have been digitalised.
at the community clinics and other grass root
level workers. Programmes are active for A call centre named 'Swasthya Batayan-16263
enrolling information related to each pregnant has been set up to provide health services to the
mother and under-5 children. A uniform 'Health people. Health services are being provided
identifier Code' is being provided to every citizen through mobile phones from every district and
which will be used to make the permanent health upazila level government hospital in the country.
record software design linking with the national Advanced telemedicine services are being
ID card database. A draft of national E-Health provided from 96 hospitals. Video conferencing
Policy and Strategy has been finalised. systems have been installed in all Divisional and

Chapter 12: Human Resource Development | 194

Bangladesh Economic Review 2023

District Health Offices, District Hospitals, In addition, to facilitate women to receive the
Medical Colleges and Hospitals, and Upazila health services from the government health
Hospitals in collaboration with the Department of facilities more easily, the establishment of district
Health. hospitals as “Women Friendly Hospitals” is
underway. Up to February, 2023, 21 district
Shashtho Shurokkha Karmashuchi (SSK)
hospitals have been recognized as “Women
The government has developed the 'Strategy for Friendly Hospitals”, as well as 19 other district
Finance in the Health Sector: 2012-2032' in order hospitals are underway in the process of
to provide universal health care in the country by recognizing as “Women Friendly Hospitals”
2030. The 'Shashtho Shurokkha Karmashuchi according to the operational plan objectives.
(SSK)' has been developed in accordance with
Addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and
the policy to fund healthcare services for those
Protecting Public Life
living in poverty. The pilot programme under the
SSK has been initiated to reduce the out-of- The main scheme was approved on 18 April 2020
pocket expenses of the poor population and to provide health services and prevent future
protect them from the catastrophic health epidemics with emergency loan assistance as part
expenditure in receiving hospital-based services. of the government's response to the Covid-19
While receiving inter-departmental services from pandemic.
hospitals, every family holding a card gets free
The scheme covers the procurement of the
treatment including costs of diagnosis and
COVID-19 vaccine, transport costs of the
medicines.
vaccine, procurement of 11 crores of auto
Specialised Health Care disposable (AD) syringes for administering the
vaccine, and other incidental expenses. Also, a
The project is being implemented to set up a 100
vaccine testing lab (WHO maturity level-3) has
bed full-fledged cancer treatment unit at the
been set up for strengthening the National
Government Medical College Hospital in the
Control Laboratory of Drug Administration
divisional town to facilitate the treatment of
Directorate.
cancer patients. In addition, Currently, under the
“Hospital Services Management (HSM)” The procurement of a cold chain system for
operational plan, there are a total of 35 “Shishu vaccine supply and storage is underway and will
Bikash Kendras” in the country’s 21 medical be completed soon. And as a result, the immunity
college hospitals and 14 district hospitals. Shishu of the people of the country due to coronavirus
Bikash Kendras provide medical services to increases, and the adverse reaction to the disease
children diagnosed with autism and decreases. Five-function beds, emergency
neurodevelopmental disorders. In each center, ventilators, pulse oximeters, compact gas-
Child Health Physicians, Child Psychologists and powered ventilators, oxygen concentrators, and
Developmental Therapists provide the other necessary equipment and MSRs are
specialized services aimed at the physical and provided to various healthcare institutions on an
mental development of children. At the same urgent basis for the treatment of Covid-19
time, for the purpose of improving the health care patients. Liquid medical oxygen systems have
of newborns, SCANU services are currently in been installed and oxygen is being supplied to 30
place in 59 health facilities in 50 districts. In hospitals to meet the urgent medical oxygen
addition to the development/expansion of these needs of Covid-19 patients. In addition,
SCANU, the process of establishment of these construction of 10-bed ICU and 20-bed Isolation
services in the remaining 14 districts is ongoing. has already been completed in 10 Medical

Chapter 12: Human Resource Development | 195

Bangladesh Economic Review 2023

College Hospitals, 10-bed ICUs, and 20-bed 53.8 percent. In 2021, Total Fertility Rates (TFR)
Isolation units in 13 district hospitals with the has been declined sharply from 3.0 in 2011 births
aim of permanently increasing the capacity of to 2.04 in 2021.
health services. In addition, the construction of a
About 9.43 lakh adolescents have been
10-bed ICU and 20-bed isolation, ICU in 2
counselled about prevention of child marriage,
infectious disease hospitals is underway in 30
and prevention of adolescent motherhood. As a
more district hospitals. These activities will
result, the rate of child marriage and adolescent
strengthen the intensive care programme for
pregnancy has decreased from 59% to 52% and
other patients including Covid-19.
from 31% to 22% respectively. 500 Model Union
RT-PCR Kits, Antigen Kits have been provided Health and Family Welfare Center service has
urgently for the identification of patients with the been establish for maternal Child Reproductive
Covid-19 virus. Additionally, the construction of Adolescent health services and free ambulance
27 modern microbiological laboratories and 2 service has been introduced for maternal health
biosafety level-3 laboratories is in progress. services. Fund has been allocated for another 40
During the COVID period, additional patient care Health Center. Administrative approval has been
and identification activities are provided to received for the manpower of 159 newly
various healthcare institutions by recruiting
constructed 10-bed Maternal and Child Welfare
manpower in various positions including doctors,
Centers (1,590 in total in 06 categories), out of
nurses, and lab consultants on an emergency
which 121 Mothers and Child Welfare Centers
basis. Also helping in contact tracing and active
have launched limited services. 1,250 officers
case identification process, providing health
have been brought under digital monitoring till
protection materials (PPE, KN95 mask, hand
January, 2023 for smooth management of family
gloves), and raising social awareness to eliminate
planning-maternal and child health activities at
misconceptions about Coronavirus.
field level. Besides, Clinical Contraception
Also, in order to deal with future epidemics, a Services Delivery Program unit has recruited
total of 07 medical screening units are being set 3,866 PPVs (Paid Peer Volunteers) in 100
up at 05 ports of entry, 20 medical waste Upazilas of 28 districts (hard to reach and low
management plants are being set up, and performing areas) to motivate & counsel young
infection prevention and control units are being married couples & perform domiciliary court
set up in 62 districts hospitals, and yard meetings.
epidemiological units are being set up in 64 civil
surgeon offices. In addition, the two specialized hospitals under
the DGFP, Maternal & Child Health Training
Family Planning Services and Reproductive
Institute (MCHTI), Dhaka and Mohammadpur
Health
Fertility Services and Training Center (MFSTC),
The family planning programme has achieved Dhaka have been brought under the service
significant success as a result of various effective automation including e-ticketing, drug
initiatives taken by the government. In 2001, distribution and medical services to the service
Bangladesh’s population growth rate was 1.57 recipients are provided through automation
percent, which is now 1.37 percent. At the same where medical records are electronically stored.
time, the number of birth control users has Besides, Service information on family planning,
increased. At present, 65.6 percent of couples are maternal and child health, nutrition, adolescent
using birth control methods, but in 2001 it was health and reproductive health services is being

Chapter 12: Human Resource Development | 196

Bangladesh Economic Review 2023

published using the online software 'Monthly curriculum of medical education have been
Service Statistics Report' and 'Monthly Logistics updated.
Report'. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Health in Private Sector (MOHFW) is currently implementing Health,
Population and Nutrition Sector Programme
The government has taken various effective
(HPNSP) starting from January, 2017 to June,
initiatives to ensure the health services desired by
2023. The HPNSP is the 4th Sector Wide
the people. The government as well as the private
Approach (SWAP). It is being implemented
sector and NGOs are being encouraged to
through 31 Operational Plans (OPs). Expansion
provide quality health services through open
of quality health-education, technology-based,
competition. For that purpose, 4,544 private
research-based health-education is needed to
hospitals, 9,178 diagnostic centers and 177 blood
sustain the achievements of the health sector and
banks have been licensed in the country. The role
increase its ability to recover from future
of NGOs as well as the government in health
epidemics. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical
services, especially hygienic sanitation, supply of
University, the country's first medical university
clean drinking water and elimination of other
established in 1998, is progressing in parallel
infectious diseases including covid-19, diarrhea,
with medical education and services, as well as
dengue, is worth mentioning. Also, several
research activities. Bangladesh Medical Research
domestic and foreign NGOs are actively working
Council (BMRC) is involved in research
in addition to government initiatives to reduce
activities related to medical science.
child and maternal mortality rates significantly
under health, population and nutrition programs. Nursing Services
Opportunities for public-private partnership At present, 42,176 nurses are serving in
(PPP)-based investment in the health sector have government health service and nursing institutes.
been created. In order to improve the quality of nursing and
Medical Education midwifery education and services, Bachelor of
Science in Nursing (4 Years’ Course) has been
The government's multiple endeavors to reform
started in 13 government nursing colleges where
the medical education system have resulted in
1,200 seats exist. Diploma in Nursing Science
significant changes in medical education. Under
and Midwifery (3 years’ course) is being
the direction of Hon'ble Prime Minister, an
conducted in 46 government nursing institutes
initiative has been taken to set up a Medical
where 2,730 seats exist. Diploma in Midwifery (3
University in each division. After the
years’ course) is being conducted in 62
commencement of activities of Rajshahi,
government nursing institutes where 1,825 seats
Chattogram and Sylhet Medical Universities, the
exist. It is to be noted that in addition to these
establishment of Sheikh Hasina Medical
educational institutions at the government level,
University, Khulna is in progress. Besides, the
for pursuing higher education in Nursing, 10
effort for expansion of modern and updated
Nursing Colleges are running 02-year Post Basic
education in medical sciences is continued.
B.Sc. in Nursing and Nursing in Public Health
Initiative has been taken to expand the
and 01 institutions are conducting 2-year MSc
opportunities to improve Medical Education. For
Nursing courses. Nurses and midwives are at the
these reason post-graduation courses have been
frontline fighter of global corona risk
started both in specialized institutions and
management. The Directorate General of Nursing
different Medical colleges. Besides this different
and Midwifery has successfully deployed nurses

Chapter 12: Human Resource Development | 197

Bangladesh Economic Review 2023

and midwives in conjunction with Covid-19 Suppression (Amendment) Act-2020 and The
dedicated hospitals to provide quality nursing and Child Daycare Act-2021 have been enacted.
midwifery services. Deputation of students of
An incentive package has been implemented for
Post Basic B.Sc. in Nursing College and National
women to enable them to address the ongoing
Institute of Advanced Nursing Education and
impact of COVID-19 and facilitate economic
Research (NIENER) has been cancelled and they
recovery. Maternity allowances and working and
have been assigned to corona patient care and
lactating mother allowances have been provided
teachers have been given the responsibility to
to meet the health and nutritional needs of poor
monitor it. 5,045 nurses were recruited on an
pregnant women in rural and urban areas and
urgent basis and deputed to the Covid-19
ensure complete development of the child, and
dedicated hospitals across the country. In order
micro-credit activities have been running to
to improve the quality of nursing and midwifery
ensure self-employment of women. A total of 67
services, the government has undertaken various
programmes, such as- Nurse Expert Exchange One-Stop Crisis Cells (OCCs) have been set up
with different countries, foreign training, creation in 47 District Sadar Hospitals and 20 Upazila
of higher education opportunities at home and Health Complexes under the Multisectoral
abroad etc. Programme to provide services to women and
children victims of persecution across the country
Programmes for Women and Child and 13 One-Stop Crisis Cells have been set up in
Development Government Medical College Hospitals. These
The government is committed to women's One-Stop Crisis Centers and One-Stop Crisis
political, economic, and social empowerment, as Cells have provided services to a total of
well as the abolition of gender inequality, the 1,74,209 abused women and children as of
establishment of child rights, and their February, 2023. Initiatives have been to make
integration into the mainstream of overall less educated, poor and helpless women self-
development. The role of women in reliant by providing income generating training
empowerment and development in Bangladesh and IT training. Projects for the establishment of
has been strengthened as a result of the Community Nursing Degree College for Women
government's timely execution of policies and in Dhaka, and the ‘Promotion of Women
plans. Necessary laws and regulations have been Entrepreneurs for Economic Empowerment at
formulated for the establishment of equal rights Grassroot Level’ are in progress. Under the
in all spheres of state and public life and project, 56,122 women have been trained in 6
elimination of all forms of discrimination against trades (beautification, catering, fashion design,
women and various development projects, interior design and event management, baby care
programmes and other activities are being and housekeeping) till February, 2023 in 80
implemented. National Women Development training centers in 78 Upazilas in 5 years.
Policy-2011, National Child Policy-2011, Government is conducting various activities for
Comprehensive policy on Initial Care and psychological and cultural development as well
Development of Child-2013, Prevention and as flourishing the latent genius of the children
Protection of Domestic Violence Act-2010 and with an objective to developing them as
Rules-2013, Dowry Prevention Act-2018, Child competent citizens of the country. Among them-
Marriage Prevention Rules-2018’, Shishu safety and social security of child from embryo to
Academy Act-2018, Women and Child Abuse 8 years of age, establishment and operation of
Shishu Bikash Kendro for children of 4 years of

Chapter 12: Human Resource Development | 198

Bangladesh Economic Review 2023

age, expansion of activities of Shishu Bikash implementation of service-oriented projects in

Kendro for the ultra-poor and separated children, private enterprises.
vocational training for student of qawmi
In the country, 85 Sarkari Shishu Paribar are
madrassas in the rural areas, establishment of
operating for the upbringing of non-parental
day care centres for female workers of tea garden
children, instilling a sense of responsibility and
and garments, safe internet, safe children etc. are discipline in them, as well as rehabilitation
significant. There are six Shishu Bikash Kendro through training and education. There are 6
(child development centre) in the country institutions (Chotomani Nibash) in 6 districts of
including one for female children in Azimpur and the country for the upbringing, maintenance,
two for male children in Keraniganj and Gazipur sports and general education of abandoned
and also three in Rajshahi, Khulna and children aged 0-7 years without parental identity.
Chattogram divisions. One Shishu Bikash 03 child development centres for correction of
Kendro and one pre-primary education centre has disobedient children of parents to prevent social
been established in 71 offices including 64 degradation, 06 government shelters for
districts and 6 Upazilas. Children of 4-5 years of rehabilitation of nomads and homeless persons
age are being developed for admission to primary with appropriate training and ‘safe home’
schools through these centres. More than 900 operations for nurturing, training, treatment,
books for children have been published by Shishu recreation and rehabilitation of women and
Academy for developing reading habit in children detained in the police station/jail are
children. being conducted in Barisal, Sylhet, Rajshahi,
Social Welfare Chattogram, Bagerhat and Faridpur districts. In
addition, probation and after care service are
The government is carrying out various activities being conducted with the aim of providing
for the welfare of the poor, disadvantaged, casework, correction, socialisation and other
neglected, special needs and orphans. The Social legal support under the supervision of probation
Security Programme is a successful programme officers, without convictions for first-time
of the Ministry of Social Welfare (MOSW). offenders and minor offenders, or for
Currently, different types of allowances and food incarcerated offenders through 70 units. In
assistance activities are running under social addition, Sheikh Russel Child Training and
security programmes of the MoSW. Old age Rehabilitation Centers are working across the
allowance, destitute women allowance, widow country to protect all disadvantaged and
and husband deserted women allowance, endangered children.
insolvent disability allowance, education stipend
The government is conducting various
for students with disabilities, development programmes for the welfare and protection of the
projects of the marginalised people, financial rights of persons with special needs and for their
support programmes for patient with cancer, rehabilitation. Such as integrated visionary
kidney and liver cirrhosis, stroke paralysis, education programme, schools for the visually
congenital heart diseases and thalassemia, impaired, institution for children with mental
rehabilitation of beggars and alternative disabilities, vocational training, employment and
employment programme etc. are the most notable rehabilitation centre for physically handicapped
social security programmes of MoSW. Apart and so on. A total of 103 'Disability Services and
from government activities, financial grants are Help Centres' have been set up in 64 districts and
being provided for the adoption and 39 Upazilas of the country to provide therapeutic

Chapter 12: Human Resource Development | 199

Bangladesh Economic Review 2023

services to the challenged people in remote areas Youth Development

of the country. All these centres provide free
The government is implementing training
therapeutic, counseling and referral services and
programmes and development projects through
assistive devices to people with autism and other
the Department of Youth Development to engage
disabilities in remote areas of the country. The the youth in national development by providing
project 'Construction of Sports Complex for them with the right direction, practical, technical
Persons with Special Needs' has been undertaken knowledge and skill-enhancing training.
by the National Disability Foundation under the Considering the all-out welfare of the youth,
Ministry of Social Welfare for the socio- training, self-employment, micro credit, poverty
economic development of persons with alleviation and other motivational activities are
disabilities in the country and to ensure their continuing at all Upazilas and districts of the
facilities in sports. The Department of Social country.
Services is implementing 05 poverty reduction
programmes for the purpose of socio-economic The Department of Youth Development has
development through providing micro credit to imparted skill enhancement training to a total of
the poor, helpless, neglected, backward and 33.11 lakh youth in various trades till January,
backward people living in rural/urban areas of 2023 for the purpose of employment and self-
the country. These are-rural social services, rural employment of youth and young women. Among
mothers centre, urban community programme, the trained youths, 7.54 lakh have been engaged
rehabilitation programme for the burnt and in self-employment. Under the credit scheme,
people with disabilities and loan programme in and amount of Tk. 2057.15 crore was disbursed
ashrayan project. (including the revolving fund) to 12.1 lakh
beneficiaries since inception till December, 2022
Freedom Fighter Welfare to establish and expansion of self-employment
The contribution of the freedom fighters, the enterprises. The government is implementing the
finest child of the nation is everlasting in the National Service Programme through the
service of motherland. The government has Department of Youth Development with the aim
undertaken various activities to honor them and of creating employment for the educated
expand the spirit of Bangabandhu and Liberation unemployed youth of the country. To date, 138
War to the grassroots level by providing overall Upazilas in 47 districts of the country have been
welfare to the families of war wounded heroic brought under the National Service Programme.
freedom fighters, dead war wounded heroic Sports Development
freedom fighters, titular heroic freedom fighters,
dead heroic freedom fighter families and families The government has been formulating and
of martyred heroic freedom fighters. In addition, implementing policies and strategies to improve
government has undertaken to provide the quality of sports in the national and
honorarium and other allowances for all the international arenas. Construction and
valiant freedom fighters through the G2P system development activities of modern stadiums,
directly from Bangladesh Bank to the beneficiary gymnasiums, swimming pools and sports
banks by creating the Management Information infrastructure are being carried out across the
System containing a complete database for country with a view to increase sports
freedom fighters. To improve the socio-economic opportunities. The government continues to play
condition of the valiant freedom fighters, a total a significant role in motivating children and
of Tk. 2 crore has been allocated in FY 2022-23 adolescents to participate in sports at the
grassroots level, producing national and

Chapter 12: Human Resource Development | 200

Bangladesh Economic Review 2023

international standard players, expanding social activities related to Bangla language and
security in sports, preventing drug abuse, raising literature, compilation of dictionaries, various
health and environmental awareness, researches and publications as well as arranges
empowering women, and enhancing athletes' book fair in the month of February and celebrates
social status. Free sports equipment is being different significant days every year. Besides,
provided for organising and conducting sports in Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is working to
educational institutions and sports clubs. develop, preserve, spread and encourage national
Bachelor of Physical Education (BPED) culture through fine arts, drama, music etc. 07
education is being imparted to young men and organisations are working under the Ministry of
women with bachelor's degree through 06 Cultural Affairs to preserve and develop the
Government Physical Education Colleges and traditional and colorful cultures of 12 small
Masters of Physical Education (MPED) is being ethnic groups living in the greater Chattogram
imparted through Dhaka Government Physical Hill Tracts region and to integrate those small
Education College. The ‘Bangabandhu ethnic cultures into the mainstream of national
Krirashebi Kalyan Foundation’ was established culture. Initiatives have been taken to implement
by enacting the ‘Bangabandhu Krirashebi development projects on preservation of Rose
Kalyan Foundation Act 2011’ to realise the Garden, various regional archeological
cherished dream of Father of the Nation monuments.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with the
Bangladesh National Museum is devoted to
aim of providing financial assistance to indigent,
archaeological, classical, decorative and
injured and disabled sportsmen and sports
contemporary art, history, natural history,
organisers. In FY 2022-23, steps have been taken
ethnography and world civilisation. It has
to provide grants to a total of 1,500 indigents,
continued to collect different kinds of important
injured and disabled athletes and sports
archaeological artifacts from the remote areas of
organisers through the said foundation.
the country for the purpose of exhibiting
Cultural Affairs hundreds of thousands of visitors to the museum.
A project titled '1971: Construction of Genocide-
The government has been providing necessary
Torture Archive and Museum Building' is being
patronage for the betterment of all branches of art
implemented running at an estimated cost of Tk.
and culture including Bengali language and
32.22 crore. The copyright registration process
literature, music, art, drama, film and creative
has been automated. The project titled
publishing. Various activities are being carried
‘Bangladesh copyright Building construction’ is
out for the development, preservation and
ongoing for the construction of it’s own
expansion of culture of Bangladesh through 18
copyright office building. Different initiatives
departments/agencies under the Ministry of
have been taken to implement special programme
Cultural Affairs. The Department of Archeology
activities related to identification, collection,
is carrying out developmental activities including
evaluation and preservation of folk cultural
survey, excavation, renovation and preservation
expressions. The project titled 'Nationwide
of important archeological sites and monuments
Mobile Library' is being implemented by the
for the purpose of proper preservation and
Department of Public Libraries with the aim of
presentation of archeological resources and
sustaining the activities of the mobile library. 76
monuments of the country.
mobile libraries are providing mobile library
In order to achieve cultural excellence, the services at the doorsteps of readers across the
Bangla Academy conducts various notable country. The project titled 'Establishment of

Chapter 12: Human Resource Development | 201

Bangladesh Economic Review 2023

Bangabandhu and Liberation War Corner' in the Development of Chattogram Hill Tracts
libraries of the country, 'Expansion of online
The Chattogram Hill Tracts is an integral part of
service activities of government public libraries'
our culture and heritage. The government is
is underway.
working tirelessly for the development of
Religious Affairs marginalised communities in the hilly areas. The
government is implementing various
Pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia was halted in 2020
development projects and technical projects for
and 2021 due to the global COVID-19. In 2022
the development of the hill people and for
pilgrims from Bangladesh have performed Hajj
preserving their glorious culture. A total of 1,936
smoothly. In 2022 pilgrims from Bangladesh
projects/schemes have been taken up in the three
have performed Hajj smoothly. In order to apply
hill districts (16 under ADP and 1,920 schemes
the maximum application of information
under development assistance) in the budget for
technology in Hajj activities, database
the FY 2022-2023 at a cost of Tk 932.18 crore.
management and the issuance of biometric visa
These projects aim to improve education,
have been incorporated in the system. In FY
healthcare, agriculture, social welfare, information
2022-23 Imam and Muajjin welfare Trust of
technology, electricity, communication,
Islamic Foundation has distributed tk. 2.65 crore
infrastructure, mixed fruit and spice gardens, basic
as aid to its 8,832 members and tk. 1.20 crore
healthcare services for 4,500 Para centers, provide
interest free loan to its 600 members. In the
safe drinking water, and promote sports, culture,
current fiscal year Hindu Religious welfare Trust
and development through various economic and
has targeted to disburse total tk. 4.80 crore for
social activities, it’s progress is very promising.
development of Monastery/Temple/Crematory
and as aid to its poor people. Buddhist religious Broadcast
welfare Trust has disbursed tk. 30 lakh as yearly Information on the overall activities of the
grant for building and repairing of Buddhist government including development activities is
institutions. Endowment fund of the Christian transmitted from the Ministry of Information and
religious welfare Trust has disbursed tk. 20 lakh Broadcasting to various print and electronic
as grants to its Churches/prayer houses. Islamic media including the top level of the government.
Foundation press, as a self -sufficient division of The government is taking various
Islamic Foundation is an authorised entity for projects/activities for the modernisation and
printing Islamic books, keeps on contributing to development of the media. The government is
the proclamation and expansion of Islam from its currently implementing various projects aimed at
establishment. Since July, 2022 the Islamic modernising Bangladesh Television and Radio
Foundation press has printed books of 85 titles Centre and developing digital broadcasting
from other divisions of Islamic Foundation. Halal system. The number of ongoing projects of the
Sonod division of Islamic Foundation has issued Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in FY
halal certificates as per Islamic law to 67 2022-23 is 13. All of these projects/activities are
commercial institutes of our country in FY 2022- designed to propel Bangladesh forward in the
23. The application of ICT is gradually rising for unparalleled development of communication
the monitoring of all religious education networking with global media, in keeping with
management for the children and its teacher technological advancement and excellence in the
administration system across the country. context of globalisation and that Bangladesh is
going ahead in this development. In addition, to
being aware and involved in the 10 special

Chapter 12: Human Resource Development | 202

Bangladesh Economic Review 2023

initiatives of the Hon'ble Prime Minister, Redress System, E-governance and Innovation,
education, health, nutrition, development of Right to Information and citizen charter action
women and children, climate change, counter- plan.
militancy, migration, making people positively
Apart from nominating suitable candidates for
aware of various issues and promoting the
the service of the Republic through the
development of rural communities to achieve
Bangladesh Public Service Commission,
various goals strengthening projects are being
recommendations are also given on formulation-
implemented. In order to develop the film
amendment and disciplinary matters relating to
preservation system, facilities have been created promotion and appointment. From 2010 to 2023,
for the restoration and preservation of old films, the Commission has recommended 35,662
scientific documentation and research, including candidates for recruitment in different cadres
the creation of state-of-the-art facilities in the through 12 consecutive B.C.S. examinations.
film archiving system. After the successful
completion of first phase of construction of The Independent Anti-Corruption Commission
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib (ACC) was established to curb and prevent
Film City project, the second phase of this corruption and corrupt practices in the country.
project has been taken. Under the ongoing The Commission is implementing multifaceted
project, initiatives have been taken to expand the programmes such as conducting enquiry and
number of FM based radio stations of investigation against allegations of corruption as
Bangladesh Betar and to modernize the existing well as building honesty and integrity in the
stations by installing digital broadcasting society by raising public awareness against
equipment. Besides, the projects for corruption. With the launch of Toll Free Hotline
modernization of central broadcasting system of (106), the daily complaints of public corruption
Bangladesh Television, and Introduction of can be easily presented directly to the ACC.
digital terrestrial broadcasting across the country Besides, ISD number +8809612106106 has been
are running properly. launched for receiving complaints. The
Enforcement Unit of ACC is constantly
Reforms and Good Governance conducting immediate operations in various
departments on the basis of specific allegations.
Aside from achieving high growth, various
As of July, 2022 to February, 2023, a total of
reform measures are being taken and
2,417 instant operations were conducted. Under
implemented to ensure sustainable and inclusive
the project ‘Investigation and Prosecution
balanced development, such as improve service,
Management System (IPMS)’ software has been
and good governance, the implementation of the
launched through which it has become possible
Right to Information (RTI) Act, the formulation
to automate the enquire, investigation and
and amendment of employment-related rules,
prosecution activities of corruption starting from
financial sector reform, and anti-corruption and
complaints of corruption received by the Anti-
prevention activities, etc. In order to strengthen
Corruption Commission. In addition the Anti-
good governance and accountability, the Annual
Corruption Commission has currently a total of 3
Performance Agreement (APA) of the
ongoing research projects to formulate more
ministry/department/agency has incorporated
effective corruption prevention strategies.
National Integrity Strategy (NIS), Grievance

Chapter 12: Human Resource Development | 203