Photo : Messenger
In this feature, I will not be analysing a comparative study of the Sustainable Development Index in Singapore and South Korea. Instead, I will be sharing a personal narrative based on my immersive travel experiences in these two vibrant countries. Through my narrative, I aim to convey unique insights about the evolving landscape of Bangladesh, which achieved a significant victory on July 5, 2024, but not without enduring the sacrifice of thousands of lives.
I observed that Singapore successfully achieved several SDG goals in 2011. And they are working on 2030 goals.
In 1971, South Korea and Bangladesh both emerged as independent nations, but their trajectories of progress and development have taken starkly divergent paths. Bangladesh has grappled with widespread political turmoil, mismanagement of resources, pervasive corruption, nepotism, intense rivalry between political factions, periods of military governance, and the assassination of key leaders. These factors have collectively contributed to the establishment of a fragile and impoverished regime in South Asia.
In a manner similar to Singapore's emphasis on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is an opportunity for Bangladesh to align itself with the 2024–2030 and 2030–2040 one short-term and one medium-term agenda under the guidance of Prof. Yunus, especially during the country's interim government. This offers the potential to leverage Prof. Yunus's pioneering social business concept to foster sustainable development and create education and employment opportunities across diverse sectors of the economy, including 30 million dropouts and jobless youth in Bangladesh approximately.
It is crucial to develop comprehensive (technological and vocational training-focused) educational and engagement initiatives targeted specifically at Bangladesh's expansive youth population (who dropped out of school and are jobless) to ensure that they comprehend the principles of lasting peace and actively participate in building a sustainable nation.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the interim government in Bangladesh during 2024-2030 (short-term) and 2030-2040 (medium-term) Agenda include ambitious targets related to poverty reduction, education, healthcare, gender equality, clean energy, climate action, and sustainable economic growth. These goals aim to address the country's development challenges and ensure a more prosperous and sustainable future for all citizens.
No Poverty
Zero Hunger
Good Health and Well-being
Quality Education
Gender Equality
Clean Water and Sanitation
Affordable and Clean Energy
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Reduced Inequalities
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Responsible Consumption and Production
Climate Action
Life Below Water
Life on Land
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
Singapore:
In 2001, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the stunning city-state of Singapore. Fast forward to 2024, I found myself in the vibrant city of Seoul, South Korea. The beauty and cleanliness of Singapore astounded me, and I was amazed to know that the flight from Dhaka to Singapore only took 4 hours. It was February, and the warm weather, coupled with the city being adorned with blooming flowers, made for a picturesque scene. The spring season had painted the town with its colors, making it even more enchanting. The thought that crossed my mind was, "How is the city so clean, and how are the people so courteous and disciplined?" At that moment, I couldn't help but contemplate making a plan to live in Singapore. However, I eventually made my way to Canada and settled in Toronto in 2001.
Singapore is an island country and city-state in maritime Southeast Asia. The country comprises one main island, 63 satellite islands and islets, and one outlying islet. The combined area has increased by approximately 25% since the country's independence due to extensive land reclamation projects. It has the third highest population density of any country in the world. However, there are numerous green and recreational spaces due to urban planning. The population is multicultural, with recognition of the cultural identities of the major ethnic groups within the nation.
In Singapore, policymakers have meticulously designed and implemented sustainable policies that prioritise long-term environmental and societal well-being. These initiatives have involved integrating nature into urban landscapes, leading to the creation of the renowned Garden City. Moreover, the government has adopted astute measures to manage scarce resources, particularly water and energy, in a responsible manner.
Furthermore, Singapore has put a strong emphasis on providing accessible and affordable education to all, including preschool education, in order to ensure that every child receives a solid foundation for a successful future. Additionally, the government has been proactive in regularly reviewing healthcare policies and subsidies, especially focusing on addressing the needs of the aging population.
As a result of these forward-thinking policies, all Singaporeans, regardless of their socioeconomic status or age, are able to enjoy an array of benefits, including access to clean air, water, and sanitation, high-quality healthcare and education, vibrant green spaces, and secure public areas. These policies serve as a testament to the possibilities of creating a society where the well-being of all citizens is safeguarded. It is hoped that similar approaches can be adopted and adapted to benefit the people of Bangladesh. In the next section, I will discuss South Korea.
South Korea:
South Korea is an East Asian nation located on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. It shares one of the world's most heavily militarised borders with North Korea. The country is known for its green, hilly countryside adorned with cherry trees and centuries-old Buddhist temples. It also features coastal fishing villages, sub-tropical islands, and high-tech cities like Seoul, the capital. You can embark on a journey from Bangladesh to South Korea in just 5 and a half hours.
South Korea has made a commitment to allocate funds towards various aspects of societal development. These funds will be directed toward improving social infrastructure, enhancing educational programs, expanding childcare services, bolstering healthcare initiatives, and addressing wage disparities. One of the primary goals of this allocation is to reduce the gender pay gap, both in the short term and in the long run.
The research indicates that an increase in public social infrastructure significantly boosts total non-agricultural output and employment in South Korea in both the short and medium term. Furthermore, higher social infrastructure spending leads to a greater increase in female employment compared to male employment in the short term. In the medium term, both male and female employment increases due to higher output. The study also suggests that in the medium term, gender equality plays a significant role in driving the South Korean economy. However, these effects are relatively minor compared to the strong impact of increased social infrastructure spending. The findings indicate that achieving sustainable and fair development, along with a substantial employment increase, requires a combination of labor market and fiscal policies.
However, some Seoul residents perceive the city's architecture as an empty shell, lacking in stylistic or formal language (Oyvat & Onaran, 2022).
I had the incredible opportunity to spend a few weeks in Seoul, South Korea, supporting my niece during her exchange program. It was a chance to not only help her settle into her new school, but also to embark on an adventure in a vibrant and culturally rich city. I have always had a passion for traveling, meeting new people, and immersing myself in diverse cultures and societies, and this experience allowed me to learn and grow in ways I could never have imagined.
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a vibrant metropolis where modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways, and pop culture intersect with Buddhist temples, palaces, and street markets. Notable attractions include the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a convention hall with curved architecture and a rooftop park; Gyeongbokgung Palace, which once had more than 7,000 rooms; and Jogyesa Temple, the site of ancient locust and pine trees.
Seoul, the bustling capital of South Korea, left a lasting impression on me due to its vibrant atmosphere and the admirable discipline and manners of its people, reminiscent of the Japanese I had encountered in Tokyo in 2003.
While I was amazed by Japan's efficient metro system, my fondness for the Seoul Metro surpassed my experiences with metro systems in Moscow, France, England, and Switzerland. The Seoul Metro stood out for its impeccable cleanliness and the considerate behavior of its passengers towards women, pregnant individuals, seniors, and persons with special needs.
The well-designed seating arrangements catered to diverse needs, and the metro system was remarkably easy to navigate, making my travels around the city a delightful experience.
In recent years, Seoul has undergone remarkable modernisation while managing to preserve its rich historical charm. Beyond the bustling shopping and vibrant karaoke scenes, I delved into the city's renowned palaces and traditional Hanok districts. The juxtaposition of ultra-modern buildings against the backdrop of ancient palaces lends the city an unparalleled and captivating allure.
I had an absolutely amazing time exploring the bustling city with my sister and my niece. Despite the biting cold of the March weather, we were determined to seize each day, a delightful departure from our usual routine back home in Canada. The city is embraced by towering hills and majestic mountains, presenting breathtaking panoramic views, particularly at night along the banks of the Han River. The riverfront is exceptionally well-designed, adorned with a multitude of verdant parks, fun-filled playgrounds, and convenient exercise spots that are thoughtfully scattered throughout the entire city, offering a delightful experience for residents and visitors alike.
However, I didn't see any homeless people or sick older adults in Seoul. The same experience I had in Japan, people are healthful.
In concluding my travel story, I want to underline the necessity for the interim government to implement measures aimed at fostering development in Bangladesh, mirroring the remarkable progress achieved by Singapore and Korea. Drawing from my firsthand experiences in these two nations, I strongly believe that this is an achievable objective, contingent upon the presence of goodwill and unwavering determination.
I would like to end by highlighting some cautions regarding the current situation and the election issue in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh needs to remain vigilant against internal and external threats to ensure its peace and progress. It is crucial to be wary of individuals and groups seeking to disrupt stability and to guard against power-hungry parties. The interim government needs to prioritise what should be done at this moment. A strong commitment is necessary to rebuild Bangladesh under Prof. Yunus's leadership. Rushing into an election should be avoided until the country regains stability.
It is equally important that the Awami League (AL) returns to the political field by this time. Having a strong opposition is vital for the sake of democracy. All political parties should actively participate in the electoral process without resorting to anger or causing harm to public life and property. Dedication to the welfare of the country is essential from all parties involved to make a meaningful impact.
The writer is a Freelance writer and analyst.
Messenger/Disha
