Möglicherweise wurde der wirtschaftliche Fortschritt Bangladeschs hochgespielt

SS: In this analysis by The Economist, Bangladesh’s much-lauded economic progress under Sheikh Hasina, who ruled autocratically until August 2024, is being critically reassessed. A white paper commissioned by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus contends that official GDP figures, which previously showcased annual growth rates of 7%, were inflated for propaganda purposes, with real growth in some years closer to 3%. The report highlights staggering corruption, estimating $234 billion in illicit financial outflows between 2009 and 2023, much of it linked to infrastructure projects and systemic graft. Debapriya Bhattacharya, head of the report’s committee, attributes this to entrenched political dysfunction, complicating reform efforts as the interim government depends on remnants of the previous regime. Meanwhile, inflation, political instability, and waning investment continue to weigh heavily on the economy, with major institutions slashing growth forecasts and warning of rising poverty risks. The Economist argues that genuine institutional rebuilding, not statistical sleight of hand, is Bangladesh’s real challenge.