The experts also said despite the existence of confrontational politics and other odds Bangladesh has achieved remarkably in the fields of education, women's empowerment, industrialisation and overall economic growth.

Chief Executive Officer of Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) Rasheda K Choudhury told the meeting that over the years Bangladesh has achieved 'gender priority of 97 percent' in primary schools indicating that a 97 percent parity has been achieved between numbers of male and female students, while in secondary schools there are more female students enrolled than males. More than 19 million children are currently enrolled in primary schools with over half a million teachers, over 40 percent of whom are women. There are 700 NGOs working in the education sector.

She said despite a confrontational politics in the country, the achievements are reflective of an affirmative policy adopted by successive governments in education sector.

In addition to local industrialists, corporate personalities and experts the meeting was also attended by eminent Indian columnist Kuldip Nayar, Kunda Dixit, editor of Nepali Times, Raj Chengappa, managing editor of India Today, Pana Javiraj, president of the Nation Multimedia Group Public Co Ltd that owns The Daily Nation in Bangkok, N Ram, editor-in-chief of The Hindu of India, HK Dua, editor-in-chief of The Tribune of India and Hameed Haroon, chief executive officer of the Herald Publications in Pakistan. The Daily Star organised the international discussion on the occasion of its 15th anniversary. Editor of The Daily Star Mahfuz Anam moderated the meeting.

Renowned economist Debapriya Bhattacharya said right after independence 80 percent of the country's population lived below the poverty line but currently less than 40 percent are living below that line. He said the reduction in poverty was mainly due to achievements in agriculture.

He said with its remarkable growth, Bangladesh is now one of the 'fastest growing exporting' countries in the region.

"We have yearly remittances of around 3.5 billion US dollars from 150,000 people living and working abroad and contributing greatly to the development," Bhattacharya said.

"With only around 700 million dollars earning from foreign investments the country will have to work towards attracting investments," he said.

Latifur Rahman, president of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industries also an eminent industrialist said with its good economic growth India should open up potential opportunities and offer preferential access for smaller countries. Referring to confrontational politics in the country Rahman said the economy of the country would have grown further 1.5 percent had there been a congenial political scenario.

Annisul Huq, director of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) expressed his satisfaction over export of garments from the country and said garments export is set to grow in the future. He said Friday being the weekend in Bangladesh they are facing obstacles in terms of business communications with western countries.

Managing Director of Square Pharmaceuticals Tapan Chowdhury said success of pharmaceutical companies has been remarkable. "We are now able to supply 96 percent of all medicines for the local market.

Rokia A Rahman, chairperson of the Mediaworld, owning company of The Daily Star, said within the last few years women in the country have moved forward and contributed immensely to the national economy.

Yasmeen Murshed, principal of Scholastica, said there has been a 'phenomenal growth' in private education sector. She also said due to growth in private universities and job opportunities in the country, a reversal of brain drain has occurred.

"Lots of well educated young persons are returning home from western countries for settling here," she said.