A sustainable and resilient initiative by the Interim
Government in Bangladesh: Insights from Singapore and
South Korea

Pamelia Riviere

Part I
In this feature, I will not be analyzing a comparative study of the Sustainable
Development Index (SD) 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 to 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.

What is lasting peace? Sustainable or lasting peace encompasses more than just the
absence of war. It involves creating conditions that can secure ongoing peace. This entails
addressing the root causes of conflict by achieving national self-determination and paving
the way for justice, democracy, and equality. These elements serve as the cornerstones of
lasting peace, ensuring that future conflicts can be minimized or avoided altogether,
which in turn lays the foundation for justice, democracy, and equality.

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.

1. No Poverty
2. Zero Hunger
3. Good Health and Well-being
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth

9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
13. Climate Action
14. Life Below Water
15. Life on Land
16. 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 prioritize 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 following section, I plan to share my experiences and adventures from my recent
trip to South Korea. I am eager to recount the people, their behaviour, sights, and cultural
insights I gained during my time in this fascinating country.

Part II
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 militarized 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 modernization 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. We joyfully boarded
the Toronto to Seoul flight, filled with excitement about exploring a new country.

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.
During my time in Japan, I had the opportunity to observe how the people there prioritize
and maintain a healthy lifestyle, which was quite remarkable. Japan's level of
development is truly impressive, reflecting their advancements in various aspects of life. I
found the people to be similar to Koreans in their strong sense of discipline, ethical
approach, soft-spoken nature, and overall warmth and kindness.

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
prioritize 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.
In order to significantly influence the social dynamics and economic landscape of the
country, it is imperative that all stakeholders in the administration wholeheartedly commit
to advancing the overall welfare and prosperity of the nation.