Bangladesh's per capita GDP ranks 5th in South Asia despite growth
Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in raising its per capita GDP over the last 15 years, nearly tripling the figure since 2010.
Yet, despite this steady climb, the country remains fifth among the eight South Asian nations, ahead of only Pakistan, Nepal, and Afghanistan, according to a new Asian Development Bank (ADB) assessment.
The ADB’s report, which examined economic performance across Asia-Pacific between 2010 and 2024, shows that Bangladesh’s per capita GDP rose from USD 882 in 2010 to USD 2,625 in 2024. This consistent growth underscores the country’s resilience, driven largely by export-led industries, remittances, and steady domestic demand.
In South Asia, the Maldives leads the ranking with per capita GDP above USD 11,000, largely due to its thriving tourism sector. Sri Lanka (USD 4,516) and Bhutan (around USD 4,000) take second and third place, while India ranks fourth with roughly USD 2,800. Bangladesh, despite its strong upward trend, comes next, followed by Pakistan (USD 1,582), Nepal (USD 1,434), and conflict-hit Afghanistan (just over USD 400).
Per capita GDP measures a nation’s total economic output divided by its population. While it does not reflect actual household income or wealth distribution, it is widely used as an indicator of a country’s economic capacity and living standards. Economists caution, however, that inequality, inflation, and job creation are equally important for judging real well-being.
Experts point out that Bangladesh’s nearly threefold rise highlights the country’s transformation from a low-income to a lower-middle-income economy. The improvement is attributed to strong growth in the garment sector, diversification into services, and a growing middle class. However, challenges remain. Slowing global demand, inflationary pressures, and vulnerability to climate change pose risks to sustaining this momentum.
The ADB notes that continued investment in infrastructure, education, and technology will be crucial if Bangladesh is to narrow the gap with regional leaders like India and Sri Lanka in the coming years.
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