Sustainable Development Goals in Bangladesh: Progress and Challenges

Bangladesh's journey toward achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is quite challenging. Political instability, continuously degrading atmospheric conditions, and ongoing wars and conflicts around the globe have made the circumstances even worse.

As 2025 approaches, the country assesses its progress and plans for the next five years to reach the 2030 goals.

One of Bangladesh's most commendable achievements is in poverty alleviation (SDG 1).

The poverty rate declined from 24.3% in 2016 to 18.7% in 2022, and extreme poverty fell from 12.9% to 5.6% during the same period.

In education (SDG 4), the country has achieved gender parity in primary and secondary education, with primary school enrollment rates exceeding 97%. Significant strides have also been made in gender equality (SDG 5), with women holding 21% of parliamentary seats.

Significant advancements in energy accessibility have been made, with 96% of the population now having access to electricity (SDG 7).

To lessen the effects of climate change, the country has also implemented adaptation plans and disaster readiness initiatives (SDG 13). 

Despite these achievements, a number of challenges remain. Lowering maternal mortality rates, which are currently 163 per 100,000 live births, and ensuring the presence of qualified health workers during childbirth, which is currently 75.3%, remain challenges despite improvements in access to healthcare (SDG 3).

Economic growth (SDG 8) has been strong, yet ensuring decent work conditions and addressing youth unemployment remain priorities.

Although the share of manufacturing in GDP has risen, continued investments are needed to support sustainable industrialisation and technological advancement (SDG 9).

Income inequality (SDG 10) continues to be a pressing issue, with marginalised communities facing barriers to inclusion.

Rapid urbanisation has created challenges in housing, transportation, and sustainability (SDG 11). Promoting sustainable consumption and reducing waste (SDG 12), protecting marine ecosystems (SDG 14), and restoring degraded land (SDG 15) are also areas that demand more focused efforts. Mobilising financial resources and fostering global partnerships (SDG 17) is essential.

Lack of data or the availability of only baseline data, especially for environmental goals, makes it difficult to assess progress for 27 of the 39 priority targets.

Sustainability is in jeopardy because of the extreme pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss brought on by industrialisation and urbanisation. Issues with governance, such as corruption and ineffective bureaucracy, continue to exist.

Building accountability and fortifying institutions are essential. Achieving the SDGs requires substantial funding—Bangladesh needs an estimated additional $928 million to mobilise both foreign and domestic investments and investigate cutting-edge financing options.

The economy has been severely strained by the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis, which has also taken funds away from national development.

After considering these complex issues, Mr. Alamgir Hossen, Focal Point of the SDG Cell, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), provided essential insights.

One crucial tactic, he underlined, is incorporating climate resilience into national development. He declared, "Bangladesh is working hard to fight the effects of climate change."

The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) will support the incorporation of climate safety into the work of all government sectors.

Bangladesh receives assistance from international funds in addition to its climate fund. During disasters, more robust early warning systems also contribute to lifesaving.

In terms of what lies ahead, Mr. Hossen pointed to the limited time frame and the need for sharper focus that "Bangladesh should prioritise ending poverty and reducing inequality, improving access to quality education and healthcare, addressing climate change and disaster risks, creating decent jobs for youth—particularly reducing NEET youth—promoting gender equality, ensuring safe water and sanitation, and strengthening governance and global partnerships. These priorities can accelerate progress and ensure sustainable development by 2030."

Bangladesh has made progress toward the SDGs, but there have also been enduring challenges. The country needs to focus more on lagging goals because the 2030 deadline is just five years away.

It must change direction while moving steadily toward a future where wealth is distributed, resources are safeguarded, and no one is left behind, much like a boat facing rough seas.

rupok.du.ds@gmail.com