Dhaka:Poverty and income inequality are on the rise in Bangladesh, with a significant portion of the population facing economic vulnerability. Economist Dr. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad highlighted these issues during the launch of the Bangladesh Poverty Watch Report 2025 at the BRAC Centre in Dhaka.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Dr. Ahmad stated that an estimated 60-70 percent of Bangladesh's population is either living below the poverty line or at risk of falling into poverty. He cited estimates from various research organizations, indicating that the poverty rate in 2025 is projected to be 21.4 percent by the World Bank, 23.1 percent by the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies, and 27.9 percent by the Power and Participation Research Centre.
Income inequality has also worsened, with the Gini coefficient increasing from 0.499 in 2022 to approximately 0.53 in recent estimates. Dr. Ahmad emphasized the importance of strengthening education, training, and healthcare to empower disadvantaged communities, noting that Bangladesh still needs to develop the necessary institutions and policies.
Prof. Dr. Mahbubul Mokaddem pointed out that income inequality has been rising since Bangladesh's independence, despite reductions in absolute poverty, and called for a shift towards productive growth and redistribution. Finance expert Zakir Ahmed Khan advocated for a holistic approach to poverty reduction, stressing the need for stronger rural development and improved living conditions for slum dwellers.
Sociologist Prof. Salma Akhter highlighted the disproportionate impact of poverty on women and children, especially regarding access to essential services. The report, the fourth in the Poverty Watch series, was prepared by the Institute for Inclusive Finance and Development and the Centre for Inclusive Development Dialogue, and examines the multidimensional poverty experienced by slum dwellers in Dhaka.