The inequality widened despite upward economic growth since the subsidies and opportunities were more for the advantageous section of the people, they told the launch of South Asia Report on 'Serve the Essentials: What government and donors must do to improve South Asia's essential services'.

Development initiatives also failed to reach the poor and ethnic minority groups in remote and isolated areas, the economists and experts added.

Department of Geography and Environment of Dhaka University (DU) and Oxfam GB organised the ceremony.

Professor Muzaffer Ahmad, chairman of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), said most school committees in the country have become highly politicised where the MPs or the elected political leaders influence the recruitment of teachers even with inferior qualities.

"Are all the free books meant for students in rural areas distributed?" he posed a question and said lack of books for poor students remained a setback for their education.

"Governments hardly take initiatives to curb corruption," he said.

"People, who enjoy opportunities and options, are basically the advantageous groups, but are not pro-poor," said Professor Muzaffer.

Professor Muzaffer said those who get subsidised public education are not pro-poor. Most doctors who graduate from the public institutions are unwilling to work in rural areas, he said, adding that they rather want to be in urban areas.

Reviewing the report Dr AQM Mahbub, chairman of Geography and Environment Department of DU, said there is a 'gap' when it is said the enrolment in primary education is 100 percent with 45 percent dropout rate.

Referring to the report that arsenic in the shallow tube-well water is found in 59 out of the 64 districts, he said, "We must go for immediate solution to this."

DU Professor Mahbuba Nasreen felt Bangladesh can follow the examples of India, which earned success in health and education and Nepal for its success in involving communities in the development initiatives.

Highlighting the success in immunisation in Bangladesh, Dhaka Medical College Principal Dr Syed Mahbubul Alam said lack of nurses and paramedics is a major setback.

Oxfam GB Country Representative Anil P Tambay presented the report, while DU Professor MM Akash and Oxfam GB Programme Coordinator Farid Hasan Ahmed also spoke.