This requires an overall growth rate of around seven percent, implying per capita growth rate of around 5.5 percent, it added.

Between 1972 and 2003, Bangladesh raised its per capita income fourfold, reduced poverty by more than a third, increased life expectancy by more than 40 percent, and enhanced gross primary enrollment by over 80 percent, it explained.

Sadiq Ahmed, director of the poverty reduction and economic management unit in the South Asia region of the World Bank, edited the book titled 'Transforming Bangladesh into a Middle Income Economy'. Macmillan India Ltd published the book.

Eminent economist Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud chaired the launching programme while Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, former governor of the central bank, and eminent economist Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman pinpointed different topics included in the book.

Speaking at the programme, Prof Mahmud Bangladesh is now outperforming most countries of similar level. "Still, we have to go a long way."

Presenting highlights, Sadiq said more often than not Bangladesh tends to get a very negative press in the world.

Starting with the famous basket-case label in early 1970s to the title of the most corrupt nation in the early 2000, the country is now regarded as a hotbed of Islamic fundamentalism, he added.

Unfortunately, the positive story of this young and democratic nation's notable development performance is not appreciated, Sadiq said at the launching programme of the book at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel.

Commenting on the book, Dr Fakhruddin said performance has been good despite all difficulties.

Hossain Zillur Rahman said poverty must be made number one priority.