Bangladesh needs the Singapore treatment. Democracy is a luxury we cannot afford at present
Bangladesh Needs the Singapore Treatment
Bangladesh is at a crossroads. We have immense potential—strategic location, a young workforce, and a history of resilience. Yet, while countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and even Cambodia race ahead, we remain stuck in political squabbles, corruption, and inefficiency. If we want to break free from this cycle, we need to take a hard look at the model that actually works.
A Strong Government for the First 30 Years
Singapore didn’t become an economic powerhouse by accident. In its early years, Lee Kuan Yew led with an iron grip, suppressing opposition that threatened stability and prioritizing national development over political expression. Many countries that have successfully lifted themselves from poverty—China, South Korea, Vietnam—followed a similar playbook. The pattern is clear: strong, centralized leadership focused on economic progress first.
In Bangladesh, political chaos is the default. Protests, strikes, and opposition parties openly working against national progress are a regular occurrence. This must change. Any party that incites violence or disrupts governance should be disbanded. Dissent is a luxury in developing nations; stability comes first. The goal should be a government that is feared, respected, and above all, efficient.
Institutional Strength Must Come First
A country isn’t built on slogans and speeches—it’s built on institutions. Bangladesh’s tax collection is weak, its bureaucracy inefficient, and its enforcement of law selective at best. Compare that to Vietnam, where businesses thrive due to clear regulations, or Indonesia, where a strong government has created an environment for both domestic and foreign investment.
We need a ruthless crackdown on tax evasion. Corruption must be tackled at every level, not just through token arrests of mid-level officials. Administrative reforms should be a priority, with digitalization of government services to reduce inefficiency. Above all, there must be a respect for law and order—people should fear breaking the law, not laugh at the idea of bribing their way out of trouble.
Education: The Real Key to Economic Power
Bangladesh’s greatest resource is its people. But an unskilled workforce is a wasted opportunity. Take the Philippines as an example—its economy thrives on call centers and overseas workers, simply because they speak English well. Historically, English should have been Bangladesh’s strong suit. Instead, our graduates struggle to form coherent sentences, shutting them out of high-paying global industries.
Singapore invested heavily in education, sending students abroad on scholarships and making sure they returned to contribute to the nation. Bangladesh should do the same. We need aggressive investment in English-language training, vocational education, and STEM fields. The government should fund scholarships for the brightest students—on the condition that they return and work for the country. If done right, in a generation, we could have a highly skilled workforce capable of competing on the world stage.
The Path is Clear—We Just Need the Willpower
The solutions are not new. Many countries have done this before us. Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia are decades ahead because they made the hard choices early. South Korea and China transformed themselves through state-led development. Bangladesh must follow suit.
The formula is simple: 1. A strong, no-nonsense government—no tolerance for political instability. 2. Institutional reform—stronger tax collection, bureaucracy, and law enforcement. 3. Heavy investment in education—focusing on English and practical skills.
Bangladesh is not doomed to be left behind—but if we don’t act now, we will be. The future belongs to those who build it. The only question is: do we have the political will to make it happen?