ABSTRACT
The chapter identifies the priority policy agenda for inclusive development covering wider growth perspectives and inclusiveness factoring several dimensions, such as labour market, human capital, health, environment quality, social protection, housing, and food security in Bangladesh. Two aspects of the conceptualisation are explicitly recognised: first, the formative nature of the underlying framework; and second, the importance of context specificity in developing the policies. The priority agenda highlights the importance of the nature and characteristics of exclusion and inequalities, such as investments in rural infrastructure targeted to depressed areas, effective access and utilisation of infrastructure and human capital by the poor and disadvantaged, financial inclusion for all, technology development, energy and environment, food security, knowledge management and other basic services that enhance the poor’s capabilities to access emerging opportunities. The analysis highlights the need for a new paradigm in policy making that allows responsiveness to the evolving needs within an integrated and holistic framework. The strategies should be more consistent with the country’s dynamic comparative advantages and incorporate economic policies and programmes to address both government and market failures.
