Bangladesh: How to Make a Country Rich (from scratch)
Bangladesh has transformed from one of the poorest countries in the world to a rapidly developing nation since its independence in 1971, achieving this without relying on natural resources. Initially, as East Pakistan, it faced severe neglect from West Pakistan, leading to a brutal civil war and eventual independence. The country's success is largely due to its focus on the garment industry, becoming a major exporter of clothing. While this industry has improved living standards and empowered women, it has also faced criticism for poor working conditions, which are gradually improving due to international agreements and internal reforms. Despite political instability, the economy has continued to grow, with Bangladesh now surpassing India and Pakistan in economic growth and average wealth per citizen.
Key Vocabulary
A woman who presides over a meeting, committee, or organization. This term is used to denote a female leader in a formal setting.
Examples:
- The chairwoman opened the annual conference with an inspiring speech.
- As chairwoman of the board, she was responsible for guiding strategic decisions.
- The committee elected a new chairwoman to lead their next project.
Increased by four times the original amount or number.
Examples:
- The company's profits quadrupled after launching their new product line.
- Since the new marketing campaign, website traffic has quadrupled.
- His investment portfolio quadrupled in value over the past decade.
A disadvantage or negative aspect of something.
Examples:
- The main downside of working from home is the lack of direct social interaction.
- While the new policy offers many benefits, its downside is the increased paperwork.
- One major downside of the remote location is the difficulty in accessing public transportation.
The general public or the common people of a country or area.
Examples:
- The government introduced new initiatives to improve the welfare of the entire populace.
- The leader's speech was designed to appeal to the broad populace.
- Public health campaigns are crucial for educating the populace about preventative measures.
Distinct territorial or cultural units enclosed within a foreign territory.
Examples:
- The old city is dotted with small enclaves, each with its own unique history.
- Due to historical agreements, several tiny enclaves exist along the national border.
- The community formed cultural enclaves within the larger metropolitan area.
Dividing into two parts, typically equal or nearly equal parts.
Examples:
- A long, winding river was bisecting the vast plains.
- The new highway was designed to be bisecting the city, creating easier commutes.
- A clear line of trees was bisecting the property into two distinct sections.
Causing shock or dismay; dreadful or terrible.
Examples:
- The living conditions in the old tenement buildings were truly appalling.
- Witnesses described the scene as appalling, with widespread damage.
- The quality of the food served at the festival was absolutely appalling.
Took apart a machine or structure; or, in a political context, systematically took apart an organization or system.
Examples:
- The old factory was completely dismantled to make way for new apartments.
- After the merger, the previous management structure was quickly dismantled.
- The obsolete machinery in the workshop was dismantled for recycling.
This appears to be a typographical error in the provided text. Based on context, it is likely intended to be 'gone', meaning moved away from, or no longer present.
Examples:
- The hot air balloon was gone from sight within minutes.
- All the fresh pastries were gone by lunchtime.
- The storm clouds were finally gone, revealing a clear sky.
A factory or workshop, especially in the clothing industry, where manual workers are employed at very low wages for long hours and under poor conditions.
Examples:
- Activists are campaigning to eradicate sweatshop labor worldwide.
- The documentary exposed the harsh realities of working in a modern sweatshop.
- Consumers are increasingly demanding that their clothing not be produced in a sweatshop.
Demanded the use or supply of something, especially by official order and for military or public use.
Examples:
- During the emergency, all available vehicles were requisitioned for aid distribution.
- The government requisitioned the hotel for temporary housing of displaced citizens.
- For the parade, several antique cars were requisitioned from private collectors.
Came to an end or ceased to be valid, typically after a fixed period.
Examples:
- His driver's license expired last month, so he needs to renew it.
- The contract expired, leading to negotiations for a new agreement.
- The warranty on the appliance expired just a week before it broke down.
A prolonged and bitter quarrel or dispute.
Examples:
- The two families had been engaged in a long-standing feud for generations.
- Their professional feud often spilled over into public arguments.
- Despite attempts at reconciliation, the political feud continued to simmer.
The delivery of supplies or personnel by parachute from an aircraft.
Examples:
- Following the earthquake, relief agencies organized an airdrop of food and medical supplies.
- The remote outpost relied on a regular airdrop for essential provisions.
- Military exercises included a simulated airdrop of troops into enemy territory.
Used to state a belief or opinion that you think can be supported by facts or evidence.
Examples:
- He is arguably the most talented musician of his generation.
- The new software is arguably the best solution for complex data analysis.
- This period was arguably the most significant in the nation's history.
Treated with a vaccine to produce immunity against a disease.
Examples:
- All pets at the shelter are vaccinated against common diseases before adoption.
- The entire population was encouraged to get vaccinated against the new strain of influenza.
- Travelers to certain regions are advised to be vaccinated against specific tropical illnesses.
Changed so much that one cannot be recognized.
Examples:
- After years of neglect, the old building was almost unrecognisable.
- Her appearance was unrecognisable after her dramatic transformation for the role.
- The landscape became unrecognisable following the severe forest fire.
Available to be used, especially of income, after deductions for taxes and basic needs.
Examples:
- With their increased disposable income, the family could afford to travel more.
- Many people use their disposable income for entertainment and leisure activities.
- The rise in wages led to a significant increase in consumer disposable income.
The act of giving birth to a baby.
Examples:
- Modern medicine has significantly reduced the risks associated with childbirth.
- She attended prenatal classes to prepare for childbirth.
- The hospital offers various support services for women before and after childbirth.
A country, government, or the form of government in which absolute power is exercised by a dictator.
Examples:
- The people rebelled against the oppressive dictatorship, seeking greater freedom.
- Under the dictatorship, civil liberties were severely restricted.
- Historians studied the rise and fall of various dictatorships throughout the 20th century.