Development of Human Values

Human Resource Development Is More Crucial Than Infrastructure

In Bangladesh, the government, bureaucrats, and laborers often boast about the country’s development by showcasing large infrastructure projects. But if you look closely, such infrastructure already exists in most countries around the world – or they’re building it too. Bangladesh doesn’t hold any unique distinction in this regard. In fact, many of these large-scale projects in Bangladesh are often targeted for corruption and looting. If the public benefits at all, it’s usually incidental. That’s why you’ll often see machinery purchased before buildings are even constructed, and by the time the buildings are completed – two to four years later – the equipment is either obsolete or there’s no proper place to store it. This is the kind of “development” we see.

Now take a look at Rwanda, Africa’s rising star. After overcoming several civil wars, the country is now on its way to becoming the next Singapore. Their progress is visible across infrastructure, human resource development, and every sector. On that note, let me say – those in Bangladesh with idle capital should consider investing in Rwanda. The future looks promising. You might even explore investment opportunities in a few other African countries. The chances of Bangladesh having a bright future are slim, because it pays little attention to human resource development and invests almost nothing in it. And when it does, it’s mostly superficial.

Human resource development is far more important than infrastructure. Quality people are a blessing and the greatest asset for any nation. Before World War II, Great Britain was the dominant global power. After the Allied victory in WWII, Britain lost its supremacy, and the United States took its place – and still holds it. Before the war, Germany was the epicenter of science and knowledge, largely due to Jewish scientists and, more broadly, the intellectual contributions of the Jewish community. During the war, most of these Jewish intellectuals migrated to the U.S., enriching America’s human capital. Alongside other supportive factors, this influx helped the U.S. become a global center of science and knowledge, eventually making it a superpower. Look into history and you’ll find this to be true.

Germany and Japan were the most devastated nations in World War II – reduced to rubble. Yet within a few years, they began to recover. Today, they rank among the world’s leading nations. This was possible because they prioritized human resource development. Even now, when people think of civilized, cultured, science-oriented, and knowledgeable societies, Germany and Japan come to mind first. Their polite, refined, educated, hardworking citizens are their greatest assets.

In South Asia, Sri Lanka has the most developed human resources. Consider their social structure, manners, respect for law, and public safety – their people are the most refined in the region. That’s precisely why, despite facing a severe economic crisis last year, they are now bouncing back, determined to reclaim their lost glory. Their people are educated, cultured, knowledgeable, polite, disciplined, dedicated, focused, and patriotic – these qualities are their driving force.