Paradigm Shift in Development Economics: Deconstructing Bangladesh's Transition from Fragility to Sustainable Growth Through Institutional, Demographic and Policy Innovations

This paper undertakes an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted economic and socio-political forces that have catalyzed Bangladesh’s progression from the stagnation and institutional fragility characteristic of its pre-independence and post-conflict phases to its current status as a resilient and steadily advancing South Asian economy. The country's journey from a devastated, least-developed nation to one on the cusp of achieving upper-middle-income status exemplifies a dynamic model of structural transformation. This analytical discourse focuses on macroeconomic restructuring, investment and trade liberalization, innovations in agricultural technologies, and the stabilizing influence of diaspora remittances. From a broader socio-economic lens, the study evaluates pivotal themes such as demographic transitions, educational advancement, public health outcomes, gender equity, and the socio-spatial dynamics of rapid urbanization. Moreover, the research critically interrogates persistent developmental bottlenecks—namely poverty, inequality, ecological vulnerabilities, and institutional inefficiencies—while emphasizing the centrality of digital and technological integration to future progress. Through this comprehensive synthesis, the paper elucidates the strategic policy interventions instrumental in facilitating Bangladesh’s growth trajectory and proposes future pathways for sustaining its momentum.