Bangladesh sees steady growth in per capita income, GDP: ADB report

Bangladesh has recorded significant progress in both per capita income and gross domestic product (GDP) over the past 15 years, according to the latest report from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Despite this progress, it continues to trail behind several South and Southeast Asian peers.

The ADB’s recently published Key Indicators for Asia and the Pacific report highlights that Bangladesh’s per capita Gross National Income (GNI) rose to $2,820 in 2024, a substantial increase from $780 in 2010. Over the same period, the country’s per capita GDP climbed to $2,625, up from $882 in 2010—marking an almost threefold increase.

Despite this progress, Bangladesh remains in the middle tier among South Asian countries. It ranks fifth in the region in terms of per capita GDP, behind the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and India.

In terms of per capita income, Bangladesh stands fourth, ahead of India, Nepal, Pakistan, Cambodia, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Afghanistan, but behind the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.

According to the ADB, the Maldives tops the list in South Asia with a per capita GDP exceeding $11,000, reflecting the country’s high-value tourism-driven economy. Sri Lanka follows with $4,516, while Bhutan and India report per capita GDPs of approximately $4,000 and $2,800, respectively. Bangladesh’s $2,625 places it ahead of Pakistan ($1,582), Nepal ($1,434), and Afghanistan (just over $400).

The ADB notes that Bangladesh’s consistent economic growth over the last decade and a half is a positive sign.