Human Rights and Development Challenges and Opportunities in Bangladesh

Abstract

Human rights and development are inter-related and inter-dependent issues in the process
of governance. The objectives of both of these initiatives are to establish public welfare, improve
the standard of living, and ensure justice at all spheres of life. It is impossible to enjoy development
without rights or human security and vice versa. People will be unable to enjoy the benefits of
these goals if government fails to create healthy environment for public participation, people’s
empowerment, free expression of public opinion and finally to overcome poverty, inequality,
corruption and some other factors which weaken the pillars of good governance. Development by
itself cannot bring qualitative and positive change and does not sustain if human rights are violated.
Bangladesh government took many steps for the overall development of the country but there are
a number of challenges prevailing in Bangladesh. Nevertheless Bangladesh is proceeding towards
achieving SDG goals and it is already recognized as a developing country. In this article an attempt
has been made to focus on the overall human rights situation and its impact on development process.
In this regard the challenges and opportunities for the government have also been analyzed. This
article is basically a conceptual analysis based on published data and secondary sources.