Both global and local macro-challenges can have serious implications for the people of Bangladesh

Being in the business of measuring poverty is a challenge for the World Bank. If poverty declines, critics accuse us of trying to showcase our success. If it rises, they say we are ensuring that we stay in business. And if it stays the same, they accuse us of trying to avoid these two charges.

Bangladesh's recent stable growth should not be branded as a low middle-income growth trap. Since independence, Bangladesh has consistently increased its average growth rate over every decade with a corresponding decrease in growth volatility.

We have poverty eradication programmes aplenty but none by way of eliminating beggary. Thus, we get to hear of the declining numbers of people below the poverty line being claimed as poverty alleviation successes.