Unpacking the Paradox: Development, Politics, and Sociology in Bangladesh

Over the past four decades, Bangladesh has achieved significant economic and social progress, particularly in the last two decades, where consistent economic growth has positioned the country as a "new tiger" in South Asia, according to international economists, politicians, and media. This transformation marks a departure from the earlier label of "an international basket case," now reframed as a "development model." However, this progress has been accompanied by persistent political crises, including prolonged unrest and military rule until 1990, and ongoing electoral conflicts between the two main political parties since 1996. Consequently, the development story of Bangladesh is often viewed as paradoxical.
While there are numerous economic analyses of Bangladesh's development, sociological perspectives remain limited. This paper seeks to address this gap by tracing the country's development trajectory within the context of neoliberalism and climate change. It evaluates both theoretical and empirical perspectives from post-development studies to determine whether Bangladesh's development achievements and plans are truly sustainable. Additionally, the paper assesses the role of Dhaka University, particularly its Sociology Department, in contributing to the development process by nurturing expertise and knowledge in this field. Finally, it highlights how Sociology at Dhaka University continues to engage with post-development discourse, enriching the understanding of the Sociology of Development in Bangladesh.