Call for shift from needs-based to rights-based development

Stakeholders concerned at a dialogue on Thursday asserted that reforms failing to uplift disadvantaged groups are ineffective and called for a shift from needs-based to rights-based development.

They highlighted the importance of recognising unmet rights of the marginalised communities so that nobody leaves behind.

The speakers also underscored the need for inclusive development to ensure long-term stability and resilience amid Bangladesh's dual transition from LDC status in term of politics and inclusive development.

They made the observations at an event co-hosted by the Citizen's Platform for SDGs, the Principal Coordinator's Office for SDGs at the Chief Adviser's Office and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon.

Addressing the event, Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, convener of the Citizen's Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, voiced concern over the lack of proper representation of disadvantaged communities in the government's reform initiatives.

At a dialogue styled 'National SDG Report (VNR) 2025: Inclusion of Expectations of Marginalised Communities' in Dhaka, he questioned the effectiveness of reforms that fail to improve conditions for the underprivileged.

"If reforms don't bring tangible benefits to disadvantaged people, what value do they hold for the public?" asked the noted economist.

Dr Debapriya highlighted the continued struggles of marginalised groups despite changes in the government.

Vulnerabilities present during previous periods of democratic deficit persist, with women, children and persons with disabilities still facing systemic challenges, according to him.

"A mere change in government does not necessarily translate into a change in governance. Structural inequalities remain, and the gap between government statements and on-the-ground realities is still substantial."

Dr Debapriya also criticised the lack of attention to voting rights for marginalised communities in discussions leading up to the upcoming elections.

"As political parties prepare their election manifestos, they must include specific commitments on education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for disadvantaged groups. Without these, marginalised communities will not accept the manifestos," he asserted.

Dr Debapriya further pointed out that while some individuals have positioned themselves as moral authorities, their influence, despite being limited in number, is disproportionately strong.

Emphasising the need for accurate data in policymaking, he warned against misleading narratives of development.

"Bangladesh has made progress, but disparities persist. Not everyone benefits equally, and access to development remains tied to social status and background."

The economist noted that while the country's average life expectancy has risen, these improvements have not reached all sections of society.

"School enrolment may officially be at 100 per cent, but many poor children still do not attend school. Without precise data, ensuring inclusive development is impossible."

Lamia Morshed, chief coordinator for SDGs at the CA Office, acknowledged that development efforts had long been concentrated in Dhaka, leaving other regions behind.

She stressed that real data collection was underway to address this imbalance.

"Communities vulnerable to climate change, children, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, Dalits and women continue to face numerous challenges. Tackling these issues requires extensive effort. The upcoming National SDG Report (VNR) will reflect these realities."

Huma Khan, senior human rights adviser at the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka, suggested that Bangladesh should transition from a needs-based approach to a rights-based approach to development.

"We shouldn't perceive ourselves as merely lagging behind. Instead, we should identify the areas where we fall short due to the non-realisation of our rights," she remarked.

Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Renggli said today's discussion has highlighted progress but they have also exposed critical gaps that demand urgent attention.

"The 'Leave No One Behind' principle reminds us that development is only sustainable if it reaches the most vulnerable."

It is more important than ever when Bangladesh faces a dual transition through its graduation from LDC status both politically and ensuring inclusive development, according to Mr Renggli.

"It is essential for long-term stability, social cohesion, climate and economic resilience." He said inclusive development requires a whole-of-society approach.

"Within this framework, civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations play a critical role in complementing government efforts, ensuring that policies translate into meaningful change on the ground."

UNDP Bangladesh resident representative Stefan Liller also spoke.

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