Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan in 1971. To mark 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence, the Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute at Harvard University held a virtual conference, “Bangladesh @ 50: Looking Back, Looking Forward” on March 3 and 4, 2021. The conference highlighted the arc of Bangladesh’s history from the Language Movement through the Liberation War to the present – and the future.
Panelists explored a wide range of topics, including the remarkable economic and human development of independent Bangladesh and the important role of civil society in its development. Listen to their presentations below.
Economic Development: From “Basket Case” to Emerging Economy
Hossain Zillur Rahman, Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC)
Faisal Ahmed, IMF
Ahmed Mushfiq Mobarak, Yale University
Sajeda Amin, Population Council
Moderator: Lincoln Chen, formerly China Medical Board